The pantry, will continue with Friday’s distribution still scheduled to go ahead.
PROSPER, Texas — A devastating fire struck Neighbors Nourishing Neighbors, one of the few food pantries in Prosper, just six days ago. The blaze, believed to have started in a nearby warehouse, destroyed much of the facility. But in what could have been a crushing blow to the community, it has instead become a testament to the resilience and strength of neighbors coming together to support one another.
“I went home and I cried,” said Alma Ramirez, one of the pantry’s dedicated volunteers who showed up to help on Thursday.
The fire broke out on Saturday night, and by Sunday morning, volunteers were faced with the aftermath. Despite the damage, including significant smoke and water damage, the pantry is already looking ahead.
“There are things we can still clean and salvage,” said Jill Stillman, a pantry volunteer. “You can’t stop serving families in need. We can’t just stop.”
Executive Director Robert Daleo explained to WFAA that the pantry will need to sort through the damaged items to assess what can be saved. Still, the pantry is determined to keep its doors open.
The pantry, which serves 300 families each week, is moving forward with Friday’s food distribution as planned.
Alma Ramirez, who found support at the pantry after losing her own home to a fire over a year ago, now gives back by volunteering.
“Every time I think about giving up, I look at my kids, and I say, ‘No puedo. I can’t,’” she shared, her determination serving as an inspiration to others.
For Daleo, the light streaming into the pantry through a broken window represents hope. “It’s the promise of tomorrow,” he said. “We’ll find a better place. We’re going to rebuild.”
The pantry is hopeful that this setback will lead to new opportunities. Daleo mentioned that they are exploring the possibility of expanding and are eager to make that vision a reality. Neighbors Nourishing Neighbors, which was founded in the 1980s and incorporated in 2012, has been operating from its current location since 2021.
The pantry, which serves Collin County three days a week, has set up a fire recovery fund to help with the costs of relocation, storage, and the long-term recovery plan.
Despite the hardship, Neighbors Nourishing Neighbors is determined to continue its mission to fight food insecurity in the community.