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Commission hears updates on Good Samaritans move, Lowe's grant submission and church food banks
Summary
Councilmember Thomas reported Good Samaritans' move to the old Walnut Creek Library and said he applied for a Lowe's grant (selected 300+ funding). Commissioners also compiled an outreach list of churches running food banks and discussed coordinating recognition and communication.
Members heard updates on local food-security efforts and community resources. Councilmember Joe Thomas Jr. said Good Samaritans is relocating to the old Walnut Creek Library and is still raising funds for build-out; he told the commission he applied for a Lowe's grant and noted he selected the largest funding option on the application: "I checked the 300 plus box," he said, asking staff to watch for contact from Lowe's.
Separately, a commissioner reported research showing about 200 churches in Garland, roughly 70% of which host food banks and about 22 that are especially active. The group discussed creating a consolidated ledger of addresses, phone numbers and service times for distribution to seniors and neighbors. Commissioners proposed drafting thank-you letters to downtown businesses and churches that support seniors and noted the commission can post PDFs on its page but not external links.
Members also connected the food-security discussion to GSAC outreach and to H‑E‑B's announced development near Firewheel Parkway, which Thomas said could become a partner for food-bank collaborations. The commission planned additional outreach and a City Press submission to publicize resources.
