1990 marked the humble beginning of Community Care Food Pantry in Athens, Texas. Eastern Hills church of Christ members began distributing donated food and clothing to needy church members from a closet in the building. Food and money were donated by Eastern Hills members which led to purchasing of food at local grocery stores.

In the mid-1990s, a generous donation paid to construct the current pantry building on College Street. The focus of the pantry turned solely to food distribution. That decision generated an increase in clients across Henderson County who needed assistance. The pantry recognized staff was necessary and donors provided the ability to add staff who could also seek more funding for this ministry. Various men and women served as leaders and more volunteers joined the ministry to assist.

In 1993, another Eastern Hills member began working with the pantry. Under this new leadership, the Community Care Food Pantry experienced exponential growth. More volunteers joined the effort. More monetary donations and more food than ever were donated to support the growth in clients coming to the pantry. A large truck and refrigerated trailer were generously donated which allowed an alliance with the East Texas Food Bank in Tyler, Texas. That partnership allows the pantry to buy food for pennies on the dollar to support and grow the pantry’s outreach.

In 2017, Becky Emerson, another Eastern Hills member, became the Executive Director of the pantry. The work that started in a single closet continues to grow. In 2024, the pantry served 6,134 families, consisting of 17,979 individuals. Through June, 2025, the pantry has served 2,959 families which included over 8,000 individuals. Volunteers distribute food every 1^st and 3^rd Tuesday mornings from 8am to 11:50am. Thanksgiving and Christmas distributions often include turkeys and hams from generous donors who believe in this work.

In 2021, the Community Care Food Pantry was incorporated as a Texas non-profit corporation. Emerson has worked tirelessly to seek donors and submit grant proposals to support what has become one of the largest pantry in East Texas. The pantry is governed by a board of volunteer directors who, in addition to governance, are active volunteers in the pantry’s daily operations.

Community Care Food Pantry, Inc.

Improving the lives of our neighbors in need by reducing hunger and sharing God's love.