School-based mobile food pantry at Uplift Infinity Preparatory
Dallas, Texas — The North Texas Food Bank (NTFB) unveiled this week its newly cobranded container pantry, sponsored by the American Heart Association and Medical City Healthcare, supported by the HCA Healthcare Foundation, which together provided a $50,000 sponsorship to NTFB’s Container Pantry initiative. Their partnership enabled the placement of the branded Container Pantry at Uplift Infinity Preparatory in Irving as well as a Produce Pod in McKinney. Both pantries are increasing the availability of fresh produce for families facing hunger at a time when 1 in 6 North Texans and 1 in 5 children experience food insecurity.
“We could not do what we do in the fight against hunger without the generous support of partners like the American Heart Association and Medical City Healthcare,” said Trisha Cunningham, President and CEO of North Texas Food Bank. “Over 254,000 children in North Texas don’t always know where their next meal will come from, and this partnership provides additional access to nutritious food while also delivering the hope and nourishment that students need to be equipped to succeed in the classroom.”
The Container Pantry initiative, in partnership with Uplift Infinity, is an innovative, community-based solution that underscores the shared vision of NTFB, Medical City Healthcare, and the American Heart Association to combat hunger while promoting health. The Container Pantries, introduced by NTFB in 2021, provide a short-term solution to address unmet demand for food assistance while a longer-term solution is being assessed. Each Container Pantry has the capacity to hold roughly 3,000 pounds of food, including fresh produce and pantry staples. If operational three days a week, each Container Pantry can provide access to 360,000 nutritious meals a year.
“Good nutrition is the foundation of good health. We are proud to advance healthcare through partnerships like this Container Pantry at Uplift Infinity, which provides essential support to families who need it most,” said Medical City Healthcare President Allen Harrison. “This effort reflects our system of care’s commitment to serve our community — inside our hospitals and also in the neighborhoods we call home.”
The Container Pantry is stocked with nutritious food and is set up to allow neighbors to walk through and select the foods they know their families need and can use. Uplift Infinity also hosts a monthly drive-through food distribution. Since first partnering with NTFB in 2023, Uplift Infinity has provided families and students with access to over 115,000 meals.
“The ability of our communities to thrive should not be hindered by a lack of nutrition access. American Heart Association is proud to continue our support of the community with this pantry, and we hope others in North Texas see what is possible and are motivated to act, “said Jenny Eyer, Vice President of Community Impact for American Heart Association in North Texas.
Since the government shutdown began on October 1, the Container Pantry has also enabled Uplift Infinity to meet a surge in demand for food assistance from families, whether because of lost federal wages or the loss of SNAP benefits. As an integral part of the Uplift community, the Container Pantry has provided readily accessible support that families can easily access during times of crisis.
“Partnerships like this make an incredible difference in the lives of our scholars and families. We have seen a sharp rise in the number of households requesting food assistance, and thanks to this pantry, we can offer support right here at Uplift. Having food available on campus helps ensure our students can focus on learning, while parents know they have a reliable resource to help them through difficult times. It is helping us strengthen our community in ways that go far beyond the classroom,” said Yasmin Bhatia, CEO of Uplift Education.
Cunningham added that while the impacts of food insecurity can be harmful to anyone, they can be particularly devastating for children, underscoring the importance of partnerships like this one.
“Through the Container Pantry at Uplift Infinity, American Heart Association and Medical City Healthcare are helping ensure students have the nourishment they need to focus, grow and thrive,” she said.