Denison, Texas – The Barnabas Center, a food‑pantry program launched from a closet inside Park Avenue Church of Christ, now operates out of its own donated building, providing a full‑service grocery experience for local families in need.
From Closet to Community Grocery
Co‑administrator Karen Elmore told KXII that the pantry began roughly 20 years ago as a modest supply of canned goods tucked away in the church’s hallway. Seven years ago a benefactor donated a vacant building, allowing the center to grow into a dedicated space that resembles a small supermarket, complete with aisles, freezers and shelving.
Unlike traditional pantries that hand out pre‑packed boxes, the Barnabas Center lets shoppers select the items they truly need. Volunteers act as grocery assistants, walking each family through the aisles, asking about dietary preferences and family size, and helping them fill a cart with items ranging from cereal and snacks to, at times, fresh beef.
Tailored to Local Needs
Elmore emphasized that the center’s inventory is matched to the community it serves. “When you come twice a month to do your grocery shopping, you shop for what you want, not for what we want you to have,” she said. The pantry stocks familiar staples for the area’s Hispanic families, as well as universal necessities such as toothpaste, children’s snacks and pet food, which are displayed on a separate table near the entrance.
Each month, hundreds of Denison residents walk the aisles, selecting the foods that fit their cultural traditions and nutritional needs. The model respects the dignity of each family, allowing them to make choices rather than receiving a one‑size‑fits‑all package.
Volunteer‑Driven Service
The center relies on a network of volunteers from the church and the broader community. These volunteers not only stock shelves but also provide personal assistance, ensuring that seniors, single‑parent households and newcomers receive the guidance they need to navigate the pantry efficiently.
Elmore noted that the volunteer grocery assistants receive brief training on respectful engagement and cultural sensitivity, which helps maintain a welcoming atmosphere for all shoppers.
Supporting Families and Strengthening Faith
The Barnabas Center exemplifies how a local church can translate its faith into tangible service, reinforcing the traditional family unit by easing the burden of food insecurity. By offering a dignified shopping experience, the center helps families stretch limited budgets, preserve cultural food practices, and maintain stability at home.
Community leaders have praised the initiative as a model for other faith‑based organizations seeking to address hunger while honoring the values of personal responsibility and family stewardship.
Looking Ahead
Elmore and the Barnabas Center team are exploring ways to expand their offerings, including adding fresh produce and partnering with local farms to provide seasonal vegetables. They also hope to secure additional donations to increase the variety of meat and dairy products available.
For families in Denison facing food insecurity, the Barnabas Center now stands as a reliable, faith‑driven resource that respects their choices and supports their households month after month.
Original reporting: DenisonWeekly.news — read the source article.
