Joining in the Mission to be “Agents of Good”
In April 2008, Minnie’s Food Pantry (MFP) opened its doors in Plano, Texas to serve local families in need. The award-winning organization’s mission was clear: to provide assistance to those experiencing hunger, including senior citizens, veterans, children, and adults. Learning that hunger knows no boundaries and can affect anyone, the team at Minnie’s began distributing food to people facing financial hardships, medical emergencies, or the impact of the pandemic. Regardless of the circumstances, Minnie’s staff has been committed to serving families in the community with dignity and love. An example of MFP’s commitment to make families feel welcomed and loved is allowing each person that walks through its doors to walk its infamous red carpet.
Humble Beginnings and a ‘Voice’ for the Hungry
Minnie’s Food Pantry was founded in a small 500-square-foot building in April 2008 in honor of Dr. Cheryl Jackson’s late-mother Minnie Ewing. Minnie, a mother of nine, was a pillar in her community and inspired those around her to be “agents of good.” Her own personal experience facing hunger and financial hardships as a child became the catalyst that would create a legacy that lives on through her daughter Cheryl. Cheryl continues her mother’s mission to provide healthy meals and financial education, helping to break the cycle of poverty – particularly in low-income areas to children where access to fresh fruits and vegetables is limited.
Minnie’s Food Pantry has grown to over 28,000 square feet across four locations in three states. This tremendous growth can be attributed to the unwavering compassion of 40,000 volunteers. To date, Minnie’s Food Pantry has supplied more than 23 million nutritious meals, and remains dedicated to serving the community with its “Hunger is Everywhere and So Are We!” motto.
Cheryl’s work has been recognized by celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey, Mark Cuban, and Roma Downey, just to name a few. Cheryl also appeared on The Ellen Show and Good Morning America, where she was honored with the Hometown Hero Award presented to her by Rihanna, Steve Martin, and Jim Parsons.
Giving Back to Our Local Community
On May 10, 2023, Western Healthcare had the privilege of donating its time to help MFP serve the community. Our team helped set up the food drive tents, and direct traffic for incoming families. Splitting up into groups, our staff spread out across the warehouse and MFP’s retail boutique to get to work. Tasks included:
- Priced merchandise in the boutique where families receive a voucher to shop for free.
- Sorted through donation boxes and placed price tags on items to be put out on the store floor.
- Loaded and Unloaded food boxes pallets.
- Helped fix and organize marketing materials.
- Organized the boutique store shelves and clothing racks.
During this time, Cheryl shared her own heartfelt story of struggling to put food on the table for her family, and the difficulties they faced trying to get assistance. Our team members were so touched by Cheryl’s story that so many were brought to tears.
“We are grateful for the time and support received from the Western Healthcare family, and for choosing to spend their day with us! Western’s volunteers served 243 families, providing each with a minimum of 61 pounds of groceries!” said Cheryl. “They sorted through donations, prepared food boxes, and assisted in Minnie’s Boutique, where families shopped for free items. We rely on volunteers to help us serve those in need, and the impact made by Western Healthcare is one that lasts much longer than the time spent onsite! Your acts of service will be felt in hundreds of households by hundreds of people for weeks to come, and for that, we are eternally grateful!”
Our team expressed profound gratitude for the opportunity to serve hundreds of families in our own backyard. This experience has encouraged staff member to return with their own families to volunteer. The memories, friendships, and fulfillment we gained from Minnie’s Food Pantry will remain etched in our hearts forever.
Western Healthcare’s Volunteer Committee coordinated this event for the organization. Committee Captain Corey White shared his experience lending a hand along with his colleagues:
“Volunteering at Minnie’s Food Pantry touched my heart and the hearts of everyone involved. The founder Cheryl gave an influential, heartfelt speech about why she started Minnie’s, which left her and others in tears. I’m so glad we were able to make an impact on so many lives.”
Want to Join Minnie’s Food Pantry in the Fight to End Hunger?
Here are a few ways you can help:
- Donate: Every dollar you donate to Minnie’s Food Pantry can provide the equivalent of three meals to families in need. Learn more.
- Advocate: Spread the word to your friends, families, and colleagues about the urgent needs at Minnie’s Food Pantry, and share on social media platforms.
- Host a Food Drive: By organizing a food drive, you can collaborate with Minnie’s Food Pantry and actively participate in the fight against hunger. Enlist the support of your corporation, community organization, or even your loved ones to collect items on a larger scale. Learn more.
- Volunteer. Every year, Minnie’s Food Pantry receives the support of over 20,000 volunteers who generously contribute their time. Whether lending a helping hand individually or as part of a corporate team, these volunteers serve as the lifeblood of the organization.
To learn more about how you can get involved, email [email protected] or call (972) 596-0253.
