The Italy Ministerial Alliance met on Sunday with nine members representing six local churches, including the newest pastor of Mt. Zion A.M.E., Mittie Muse. President Beverly Hamilton presided over the meeting. There were several topics she discussed. One of which was criteria to receive assistance from the local food pantry. The IMA Food Pantry is presently a member of the North Texas Food Bank. “Now that we are apart of the USDA, we are apart of a government entity. Certain guidelines must be given and adhered to,” said the pastor. The Alliance discussed the new rules and voted to approve.

Italy Food Pantry Policies

• Starting January 1, 2009, we will be open from 11:30 am – 2:30 pm on the second Wednesday of the month.

• We are now a member agency of the North Texas Food Bank and are required to screen food pantry clients according to the TEXCAP income guidelines.

• You must come in and fill out an application, front & back that includes a budget form. We do not do applications over the phone. A completed application (front & back) is required to receive food.

• You must bring in a drivers license, current utility bill showing proof of residence, and social security card for every member of the family. Birth certificates are acceptable. All household members must live in the 76651 zip code area.

• If a grandparent has custody of grandchildren, they must provide custody papers along with a social security card.

• All adults (18+) in the household must provide proof of income to receive food:
  • current paycheck stub
    if you’ve been laid off, a paycheck stub from the last few months plus a Workforce Solutions Card with a number on the back that indicates you have applied with the Texas Workforce Solutions and are attempting to find a job.
  • SSI unemployment benefits
  • Social Security benefits
  • Pension
  • WIC
  • Food stamps
  • Child support
  • Or proof that someone else is helping pay your bills

• If you are new the program and do not have all the information we request, you have 21 days to provide the information (or by the next monthly visit) to receive food. We will give you food on that first visit.

We no longer are providing utility assistance. If you need utility help, you can contact these agencies:
Waxahachie Care, 972-923-2273
St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Waxahachie, 972-938-1953

Pastoral care will still be provided and budget counseling will be given on a “as needed” basis. Anyone wanting to donate to the local food pantry, Hamilton suggests a monetary donation instead of can goods because the food can be purchased so much cheaper through the North Texas Food Bank. This allows more food for less money.

The next activities on the schedule for the Ministerial Alliance include turkey/food basket delivery before Christmas to families in need, Easter Sunrise service and Baccalaureate Service for the senior students at Italy High School.