Volunteering at a food pantry concept | Image by Canva
Many Dallas residents were disappointed to learn about CitySquare’s closure this year, which raised concerns about food security and housing assistance for those in need.
Fortunately, thanks to careful planning, the services offered by CitySquare will continue throughout the holiday season, although additional support is required, reported Candy’sDirt.
Operations officially halted on November 22, and the transition of its Food Pantry and Neighbor Resource Center to The Stewpot was initially set for December 2. However, due to some unforeseen challenges, this transfer has been postponed.
CitySquare shared on social media that the closing of its 53,000-square-foot building has led The Stewpot to conduct further environmental testing, which has caused delays.
In the meantime, CitySquare has collaborated with nearby nonprofits to ensure that community members continue receiving essential food and resources during the holiday season while keeping staff employed.
Here is more of what Candy’sDirt reported on the story and how you can help:
Most Dallasites were bummed to hear that CitySquare was shutting its doors this year — but for some, the nonprofit’s closure had a dire implication, instilling the fear of going hungry and losing shelter options. Due to good planning, the services provided by CitySquare will remain consistent this holiday season, but help is needed.
Operations ceased at CitySquare on Nov. 22. Its onsite Food Pantry and Neighbor Resource Center services were originally scheduled for transfer Dec. 2 to The Stewpot, a community ministry of First Presbyterian Church of Dallas that provides help for the unhoused and at-risk individuals in Dallas.
“After due diligence is completed and if the congregation is in favor of the purchase, The Stewpot — which serves free meals, offers housing programs, has a food recovery program for Dallasites experiencing homelessness, and hosts various youth and family programs — will move operations from its longstanding downtown location on Young Street to CitySquare’s former facility,” D Magazine reported in July.
CitySquare announced last week on social media that some challenges arose with the closing of a 53,000-square-foot building, pushing back the date that services can transfer.
“The Stewpot is pursuing additional environmental testing, which has pushed our timeline out a bit further,” according to a LinkedIn post. “Our proposed scheduled close will be Dec. 13, which means that The Stewpot will not be able to operate our Food Pantry and Neighbor Resource Center until Dec. 16. This timeline assumes, of course, that the result of the additional environmental due diligence is satisfactory to all parties.”
Food for the Holidays
Although the building delay was unexpected, CitySquare “pivoted and partnered” with South Dallas nonprofits to ensure that “our neighbors receive the food and resources they need during the holiday season and that our staff are not out of work next month.”
The Stewpot
Partnering agencies that have stepped up to help include Crossroads, Empowering the Masses, North Texas Food Bank, and, of course, The Stewpot.
“CitySquare and The Stewpot remain committed to ensuring that the sale of the building is successful, and the Stewpot is committed to continuing the Neighbor Resource Center and the Food Pantry upon the completion of the sale,” officials said on social media.
No appointments are needed at the food pantry or Neighbor Resource Center, both located at 1610 S. Malcolm X Blvd., Dallas. The food pantry is available on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and pre-packaged boxed food is distributed from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Fridays. The Neighbor Resource Center is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
