Central Storehouse, a free food market and life transformation organization serving Fort Worth, celebrated the ribbon cutting of its new 15,000-square-foot facility with two community events held March 24 and March 26. The new space more than triples its previous 4,000-square-foot location, expanding its ability to serve families facing food insecurity across the region.
The expansion marks a significant step forward in meeting the growing need across Fort Worth. Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker and District 5 City Councilmember Deborah Peoples, along with elected officials and community leaders, attended the March 24 ceremony to recognize the milestone and its impact on local families. The project was made possible through the support of the community, whose generosity helped Central Storehouse successfully complete a financial campaign and open the new facility completely debt-free.
Mayor Mattie Parker emphasized the deeply personal impact of addressing food insecurity, sharing that her family’s journey shaped her understanding of its urgency. Having adopted her oldest daughter at age 10, Parker pointed to her family’s story as a powerful example of the critical role community resources can play in shaping lives.
“When we met her, my husband and I learned what food insecurity really does to children,” Parker said. “It was a small pantry in her hometown that helped keep her alive and thriving.”
Parker noted that Central Storehouse represents that same lifeline at a much greater scale, made possible through the collective strength of Fort Worth’s faith and community partners.
“Food insecurity is a significant problem. It’s a significant problem here in these neighborhoods. Because of your generosity and focus to make this happen, you will have families fed. You will have children that don’t have to worry about what they eat for breakfast, lunch or dinner. You’ll have a mom or dad that can focus on the caregiving of their family, which is so special.”
That same focus on meeting both immediate needs and long-term challenges is at the heart of Central Storehouse’s work, according to Central Storehouse founder Jon Rhiddlehoover.
“This new space represents our community coming together to serve one another,” said Rhiddlehoover. “It creates more opportunity to meet families where they are, build meaningful relationships and stay and walk alongside them in their faith.”
Central Storehouse operates a client-choice food market designed to feel like a grocery store, allowing families to select their own food in a dignified and welcoming environment. More than a traditional food pantry, the organization focuses on building relationships and fostering community, while also offering opportunities for neighbors to receive encouragement and engage in conversations about faith.
The need in Fort Worth remains urgent. More than 170,000 residents face food insecurity, including one in four students experiencing childhood hunger. Central Storehouse currently serves more than 300 families each week and distributes more than 100,000 pounds of food monthly while also building meaningful relationships that support long-term stability.
The expanded facility will allow Central Storehouse to increase food distribution, create a more dignified and welcoming shopping experience for families and strengthen opportunities for connection, mentorship and holistic support.
A cornerstone of this work is the Storehouse Students Initiative, which partners with nine local schools to support children experiencing food insecurity. Each week, volunteers prepare and deliver more than 550 weekend food bags, ensuring students have consistent access to nutrition beyond the classroom.
“Our faith calls us to serve with compassion and to see the inherent worth in every person,” Rhiddlehoover said. “This expansion allows us to not only meet immediate needs, but to invest in the next generation and build the kind of support systems that help families thrive.”
Supported by more than 150 dedicated volunteers, Central Storehouse continues to meet both immediate needs and long-term challenges, focusing on human dignity, healthy relationships and investment in the next generation.
The ribbon cutting ceremonies marked a major milestone for the organization and brought together community members in support of its mission. Event photos are available at the drive link here
For more information, to volunteer or to support Central Storehouse, visit central-storehouse.org.
Source: Press release
