Plano, Texas · Open since April 1, 2008
Hunger is no joke.
We opened on April Fool's Day almost two decades ago, because people told us nobody in North Texas goes hungry. They were wrong then. We've served over 3 million meals since that day.
Open Wednesday–Saturday8:30–11:30am · closed every 5th Saturday
Thanksgiving · Registration open
Register to get a free Thanksgiving meal
Registration is open for North Texas families. It takes a few minutes, you only need to do it once, and there is no cost.
Thanksgiving 2026
Thank you to our Thanksgiving sponsors
These partners are helping put a Thanksgiving meal on thousands of North Texas tables this year. We’re so grateful.
There is no overhead trick here and no minimum. One dollar puts three healthy meals on a North Texas table — which means a $20 gift is sixty meals, and a $100 gift feeds a family for a month.
Give nowThanksgiving drive · now collecting
What we need on the shelves right now
These are the items running shortest this week. Drop them off Wednesday–Saturday, or ship them straight to the pantry from our Amazon list.
Stuffing
Holiday needCornbread
Holiday needCranberry sauce
Holiday needBoxed potatoes
Holiday needCake mix
Holiday needIcing
Holiday needSnack items
Holiday needNEW toys
For ChristmasMinnie's Boutique · 651 18th Street
A free store — for families who qualify
Minnie's Boutique isn't a thrift shop, and there are no prices on anything. Families living in low-income households shop for the things a food box can't cover — clothing, shoes, toys, toilet paper, laundry detergent, makeup, electronics, household basics — and walk out without paying a cent.
It starts with an intake appointment: a short sit-down where we get to know you and confirm eligibility. Bring your documentation, qualify, and you'll receive a voucher to shop with — one per household. Finish a class at the Empowerment Center and you earn another $50 voucher, and classes earn a voucher even for households that don't qualify for the monthly one.
Wednesday–Saturday, 8:30–11:30am · Closed every 5th Saturday · 651 18th Street, Plano, TX 75074
Drive-Thru Service · 661 18th Street
No one is turned away.
Everybody qualifies for the drive-thru. There's no income test and no interview — bring a photo ID and a utility bill, stay in your car, and leave the trunk empty. Our team loads you up without you lifting a finger. Households are welcome once a month.
Walking up, not driving? If you're experiencing homelessness you're welcome on foot — we call our walk-up neighbors our VIPs, and VIPs can come every week.
We serve over 2,000 families a week this way, contact-free, with the same dignity and respect we'd give a guest in our own home.
Wednesday–Saturday, 8:30–11:30am · Closed every 5th Saturday · 661 18th Street, Plano, TX 75074
Our year in review · 2024
What your giving did last year
Our Programs
It takes more than food to fight hunger. We believe overall wellness begins with food and health education — our goal is long-term food security, not a single full cupboard. Learn more about our programs.
Sponsor a Truck
Volunteering with your co-workers builds camaraderie and teamwork. We welcome corporate groups of all sizes.
Children
We partner with school districts to deliver food and put pantries inside schools. Childhood hunger doesn't wait.
Minnie's on the Go
Hunger is everywhere, so are we. We deliver food to senior citizens, veterans, and day laborers.
Who We Are
We chose April Fool's Day 2008 to open our doors on purpose. The idea that families in Plano were going hungry was treated like a joke — so we made the date the point. Eighteen years later, the need is still here, and so are we.
Minnie's Food Pantry was named after Dr. Minnie Hawthorne-Ewing, a community leader with a servant's heart. We're a 501(c)(3) non-profit and one of the largest food pantries in North Texas.
Named Community Partner of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce, with 12 locations across three states. GuideStar rates us Platinum — the highest transparency rating a charity can earn.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
The businesses, foundations and neighbours who keep the shelves full.
