More than 9,000 additional Collin County children faced food insecurity in 2024 compared to the year before, according to Feeding America's latest data, and one of Collin County's largest food pantries, based right here in Allen, is working to meet that growing need.
The 2026 Map the Meal Gap report, released July 28, found the county's child food-insecurity rate jumped from 15.6% to 18.4% in a single year. An estimated 53,040 children in Collin County lacked consistent access to adequate food in 2024, up from 43,770 the prior year.
The spike hit even as the county's overall food-insecurity rate dipped slightly, from 13.5% to 12.9%.
"As the cost of living continues to outpace household incomes, families across every ZIP code in North Texas are increasingly having to make tough decisions about whether to buy the groceries they need or pay for other essentials, such as gas, rent, medication or utilities," Trisha Cunningham, president and CEO of the North Texas Food Bank, said in a July 28 statement responding to the report.
Food prices rose nearly 24% nationally between 2020 and 2024, according to the Feeding America data.
ACO's local response
All Community Outreach, the Allen-based nonprofit founded in 1985, distributed more than 1.4 million pounds of food in 2024 and served 9,062 individuals through its food pantry alone. Its Kids Summer Food program reached 1,821 children last year.
Across all programs, ACO served 12,271 individuals in 2024, supported by 3,965 volunteers who logged 32,479 hours, according to the organization's annual report.
CEO Marjorie Vaneskahian Burr, who has led ACO since 2001, wrote in the organization's 2024 annual report, published in January 2025, that many neighbors in Collin County face hunger and homelessness despite the area's reputation for affluence.
ACO also fields an average of 20 applications per day from Collin County residents seeking help with rent and utility bills, according to its March 2025 newsletter.
City funding
Allen City Council on July 28 approved the 2026-2027 Community Development Block Grant plan, directing $468,647 in federal funding toward housing improvements and community services. The plan includes $70,000 for public service programs connecting residents with community resources, with funded activities set to begin Oct. 1.
The federal dollars do not affect Allen's general fund.
How to help
ACO's food pantry at 801 E. Main St. in Allen is open Monday through Friday, noon to 3:30 p.m. Residents needing food assistance can walk in during those hours.
Those looking to volunteer can apply at acocares.org/volunteer; food pantry shifts run Monday through Friday. Questions can be directed to volunteer coordinator Colleen Johnson at [email protected], or to Rhonda Ptak at [email protected] for food drive inquiries.
Upcoming
CDBG-funded community service activities begin Oct. 1. ACO accepts food drive donations year-round at 801 E. Main St. Volunteer shifts are available Monday through Friday at the food pantry.
