Denison residents now have a larger, more flexible food‑assistance option as the Barnabas Center at Park Avenue Church of Christ expands its pantry operations. According to KXII, the center serves “hundreds of mouths each month” with a range of staples—from canned goods and cereal to fresh beef—tailored to the community’s cultural preferences.
Co‑Administrator Karen Elmore explained that the pantry’s evolution began as a simple closet in the church, grew substantially twenty years ago, and moved into a donated building seven years ago. The center now opens the first and third week of every month on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and again from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., allowing families to shop for the items they need.
Elmore emphasized the dignity of the model: “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 added that shoppers appreciate the freedom to choose foods that fit their tastes, especially in a city with a sizable Hispanic population.
Local mother Angel Bailey, who relies on the pantry for her eight‑child household, praised the program’s flexibility. “My husband is the only one that works, so one paycheck doesn’t cover everything,” Bailey said. “They actually let you pick what you can eat and that your children will eat. This place has been a blessing to my family.”
Beyond groceries, the Barnabas Center offers “bonus items” such as toothpaste, children’s snacks, and pet food. It also distributes weekend kits for kids and monthly boxes for seniors, reinforcing its role as a lifeline for vulnerable residents.
The pantry welcomes monetary donations, food contributions, and volunteers. Interested residents can submit the food‑assistance form on the Park Avenue Church of Christ website.
What’s next: The Barnabas Center plans further expansion to reach more families, though specific timelines were not provided. Community members are encouraged to support the effort by donating or volunteering as soon as possible.
