A Small Pantry With a Big Heart: Supporting Our Community One Snack at a Time

Suzan D. Walker LMT 104331
Nov 15
3 min read

Black and white sketch of a mailbox with a taped sign reading "SNACK PANTRY." Simple, hand-drawn style; no background. — Snack pantry is located inside of Garden Plaza Executive Suite at 3100 West Arkansas Lane, Suite 108, Dalworthington, Texas 76015

I started a small but meaningful project in front of my office: a community snack pantry for anyone who may be in need. I will be expanding it soon and plan to add more items such as toiletries, small essentials, and other supportive resources.

Our area has been facing a growing homelessness epidemic, and many people are struggling through no fault of their own. Some individuals work full time and still experience housing insecurity. I have learned that a few people sometimes park in the lot at night for shelter, and I want it to be known that if someone needs a safe place to rest, I will never say anything. Everyone deserves compassion, dignity, and understanding.

I am working toward providing sleeping bags, beanies, gloves, toiletries, blankets, pillows, and other basic necessities. If you happen to be homeless or in need, you can reach me directly at 817-966-1020. I offer snacks, and at times I can provide food and additional support depending on what I have available.

Next door is HDNP International, an outreach center that assists the homeless community with meals, sleeping bags, and other resources. I can help provide information about their services as well.

The community snack pantry outside the office is open to anyone. I do what I can, and although business is slow and I wish I could do more, every effort begins as a small seed. With time and care, that seed can grow into something much greater.

If you feel inspired to take part in something similar, please do so. We need people who care more than ever, and showing compassion truly changes the energy within the community. It can shift the trajectory of what is happening around us. By offering support and understanding, we create space for real change. If you want to get involved, you can explore advocacy programs, start a small food pantry of your own, or keep supplies on hand that people might need such as sleeping bags, blankets, socks, gloves, beanies, and small toiletries that fit easily into a backpack. I often meet individuals experiencing homelessness who genuinely need these essentials, along with food, water, and non perishable items that are simple to share.

As the weather gets colder, items that provide warmth can make a significant difference. Hand warmers, self-warming blankets, and emergency blankets are especially helpful during the winter months. Nutritious energy bars are also beneficial because they offer high calories and sustaining ingredients that help keep someone full longer. Non perishable items that are filling and easy to carry are always appreciated. In my own little pantry, I keep a variety of simple snacks such as chips, beef jerky, breakfast bars, snack crackers, peanut butter crackers, cheese crackers, pop tarts, and water to ensure that anyone stopping by can grab something quick and comforting.

If you are also so inclined to help, there is a need for small parcels of dog and cat food. Many people experiencing homelessness have pets who rely on them, and providing pet food can make a significant difference. I keep cat food on hand because I feed the local feral community, so if you have a cat, I also provide cat food through the small pantry.

My business neighbors are aware of the pantry, and it is open to anyone who needs a snack or a little support. We will continue to build from here and see how things grow, one step at a time.

If you need assistance but prefer not to have direct contact with anyone, you can still access support. If you need a snack pack, sleeping bag, or any of the small items I provide, you can call and leave me a message. I will do my best to respond as soon as possible and leave the items outside my office door so you can pick them up safely and discreetly.

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When we care, we can make positive changes that make a healing impact in the community. When we care for one another our communities grow stronger.

With support and care,

Suzan (Susan) Walker LMT