Based in Grapevine, Texas, GRACE is a nonprofit relief agency that provides food, clothing, financial assistance, and other vital necessities to people who are struggling with a limited income or recent emergency.
Their Client Choice Food Pantry provides perishable and non-perishable food to individuals and families in need.
More than a mere handout, the Client Choice Food Pantry uses a voucher system for GRACE clients to shop and select the food items that meet the cultural and dietary needs of their households.
The Pantry is designed as a grocery store that gives GRACE clients an element of dignity in the process of providing food for their families. In collaboration with Tarrant County Food Bank, families also have the opportunity to participate periodically in nutrition education and cooking classes.
The Annual Back to School Fair on August 12th serves the kids of Grace clients.
For a child, the possibilities are endless when the school year begins. From discovering who the teacher will be to what friends are in their class, the days leading up to it are full of anticipation. It is also, however, a tough time for parents who are doing all they can to make sure their families’ needs are met on a regular basis. Buying school supplies, backpacks, and back to school clothing is a difficult and costly expense to a family who is already struggling. That is where GRACE steps in.
With the support of the community through donations and volunteer hours, GRACE is able to assist with back to school clothes (including new underwear and socks), school supplies and backpacks. The look of excitement on the children’s faces as they receive these items is always matched by the look of thankfulness and relief in the eyes of their parents.
Each year, GRACE partners with GCISD at the annual Back to School Fair. This year, the fair took place on an especially warm Saturday, August 6th. Over 1,000 children from GCISD were enrolled for the fair last May as school was coming to a close. All of the participating families qualified for free and reduced lunch, which is the criteria to receive most services at the fair. For the families who also qualify for free and reduced lunch but did not register in time, GRACE steps in and fills in the gaps.
All children at the fair are also eligible to receive packets of school clothing. GRACE employees and volunteers worked to move clothing for the children to the fair (located this year at 121 Church) to avoid families having to make another trip to GRACE for clothing.