Allen Community Outreach of Allen, California

Check Eligibility View Website Call Now

(972) 727-9131

Families that qualify for assistance are able to access the free services of ACO. This includes:

-Twice monthly visits to the our Food Pantry
-The ability to receive vouchers to shop at our ACO Resale Stores
-Receive household goods each month from the our Care & Share closet. Items from the Care & Share Closet include diapers, paper products, personal hygiene items, cleaning supplies and other essentials

To sign up for assistance:

-Download and complete the Application for Basic Services
-Gather the following required documentation. Please understand that without this information the caseworker is not able to determine eligibility and you will not be seen:

--Photo ID/Foreign ID- for all adult household members
--A current Rental Contract OR Mortgage Coupon/Statement (It is important that the contract be in your name or one of the adult household member names listed on the application for proof of residency.)
--Proof of school enrollment. Example: student information page, dated within the past 30 days, for all school aged children showing parents address.
--Proof of income from all adult household members for the past 30 days. Examples of income: paycheck stubs, SSI/SSDI, Child Support, Alimony, Food Stamps Denial/Approval Letter.
-Schedule an appointment with the ACO Case Manager.
-Bring the completed application and documentation to your appointment. Please plan to arrive 15 minutes prior to appointment time to get checked in.

The application is for Basic Services only and NOT financial assistance. Please go to our website to apply.

Services provided :

  • food pantry
  • diapers & formula
  • clothing
  • home goods

Appointments :

You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (972) 727-9131 to book your appointment.

Address :

301 W Boyd Dr,
Allen, TX 75013.
Get Directions

Hours Of Operations :

  • Mon: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
  • Tues: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
  • Wed: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
  • Thurs: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
  • Fri: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
  • Sat: Closed
  • Sun: Closed

Help Residents of Counties:

  • Collin

Appointments

You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7.

For the full set of services, you can call (972) 727-9131 to book your appointment. Staff can also answer any questions you may have.

Food Pantry in Near By City

Food Pantry in Near By County

Tips for Visiting a Food Pantry

Show up early.

This is very important. This means you will be first in line and have a chance to get the items that are sought after and in limited quantities such as fresh produce, dairy and frozen food.

You don't usually need to show up hours ahead of time but coming at least an hour before is usually a good idea.

Remember all documentation.

Many food pantries require documentation to prove who you are, and in some cases, where you live.

This is to make sure people are not coming more than they are allowed or using fake names to do so. Call ahead of time to find out what documentation is needed.

It's just your photo ID and a piece of mail that verifies your address.

Use several food banks.

Using more than one food bank (when available) is smart because you may be able to get something at one that you may not get at another.

For instance, one may have a deal with a local gardener that gives them their extras. This may mean this food bank has more produce.

Eligible for other programs?

Ask your Department of Social Services office if you are eligible for other assistance programs to supplement your household’s food supply.

They can easily tell you if you can apply for WIC (Women and Infant Children), USDA Commodities or SNAP(Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits.

Ask about extras.

If you have special needs for infants or special diets, the pantries may be able to assist you.

Many times, they can help with diapers, baby formula, baby food, personal hygiene products, and even special diet items like gluten free or sugar free foods.

Go on different days of the week.

Depending on the food pantry, they may be open only one or two days a week or they may be open all seven days. When you have a choice, going midweek is often best as it is less crowded.

Be polite to workers.

Nearly everyone at a food bank is a volunteer. Be polite to the workers there as they often deal with highly emotional situations.

FAQ(Frequently Asked Questions)

1. What is the difference between a food bank and a food pantry?

Independent community food pantries are self-governing and usually distribute food to their clients on a once-a-month basis. A food bank is the storehouse for millions of pounds of food and other products that go out to the community. A food pantry functions as the arms that reach out to that community directly.

2. What kind of food is at a food pantry?

Specifically, food banks often need items like:

  • Peanut butter
  • Canned soup
  • Canned fruit
  • Canned vegetables
  • Pasta
  • Canned beans
  • Canned stew
  • Canned fish

3. Who can go to food pantry?

At the majority of food pantries, eligibility is based on self-attested need. You do not need to have a referral, and income is not a factor to receive food.

4. What is the difference between a food pantry and a soup kitchen?

A food pantry provides three-day food packages to families that have a place to live, but not enough food. These packages are designed to provide nutritionally balanced meals. Soup kitchens serve individuals in need of a hot meal, the only meal of the day for many of them.

5. How does a food pantry work?

Food Banks acquire large donations of edible but unmarketable food from the food industry and distribute it to organizations that feed hungry people. Then they provide this food to family in a need.