Minnie's Food Pantry Inc. - Rocket

Background and History: Minnie's Food Pantry was founded by Cheryl Jackson to honor her mother Minnie Hawthorne-Ewing on April 1, 2008, with the tagline "Hunger is NO Joke!" Having been in the situation where she needed help to put food on her table and feed her own kids, Cheryl remembers the horrifying experience of asking for assistance and has since made it her mission to provide quality foods, along with dignity, integrity and respect to every person who walks through our doors.

Over the past 18 years, MFP has provided 34 million meals and counting. With more than 3 million meals distributed in 2025, MFP is recognized as one of the largest food pantries in Collin County and has been named the #1 Charity and Food Pantry in DFW. Minnie's Food Pantry relies on those who believe in our mission, and know that together, we can create change. As we work together, we are enabling our community to become better through dedicated service to one another. As a non-profit organization we rely on support from our corporate and community partner, allowing us to make receiving food assistance as simple as possible for those struggling to find their next meal. MFP knows that hunger does not discriminate, and we are proud to be one of the few food pantries to serve regardless of race, ethnicity, religion or zip code.

Minnie’s Food Pantry (MFP) is a nationally recognized nonprofit organization headquartered in Plano, Texas, dedicated to providing healthy meals, educational resources, necessities and red-carpet treatment to children and families in need. Founded in 2008 by Dr. Cheryl “Action” Jackson, the organization operates with a mission to decrease hunger while increasing self-esteem and overall wellness.

Serving thousands of families each month, Minnie’s Food Pantry provides access to fresh produce, meats, dairy products, bakery items and non-perishable foods through onsite distributions, delivery programs, and community initiatives. Beyond food assistance, MFP empowers individuals through educational enrichment, financial literacy programs, and youth development initiatives designed to break the cycle of poverty.

MFP is known for its innovative approach to hunger relief and commitment to dignity. Through service, collaboration, and compassion, the organization continues to expand its impact — ensuring that every family served feels valued, respected, and supported.

At Minnie’s Food Pantry, our work advances food security, dignity, and wraparound community support in deeply connected ways:

Promoting Food Security: We address immediate hunger while working toward long-term stability.

• Consistent access to nutritious food: Families receive fresh produce, meats, dairy, and pantry staples to support balanced meals.
• Reduced barriers to access: By operating with efficient distribution systems and extended outreach, we ensure families can reliably receive support, making assistance as easy as it should be!
• Stability for households: Regular food assistance allows families to redirect limited income toward rent, utilities, healthcare, and education—helping prevent crisis cycles.

Preserving Dignity: We believe how assistance is given is just as important as what is given.

• Client-centered approach: Individuals and families are treated with respect, compassion, and hospitality.
• Quality: All items distributed are within date/not expired, un-opened and thoroughly examined for quality.
• Welcoming environment: We create a space that feels hopeful and empowering—not transactional or stigmatizing.

Providing Wraparound Community Support: Food insecurity is often connected to broader challenges. Our model recognizes that hunger rarely exists in isolation.

• Resource connections: We connect families to employment resources, educational programs, health services, and other resources.
• Community partnerships: Collaboration with schools, churches, and healthcare providers strengthens the safety net.
• Holistic impact: By supporting the whole person and family unit, we help move individuals from survival to sustainability.