Celina Pantry and Gateway Church Host Fall Festival
The organizations partnered to provide food and activities for local families supported by the food bank.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Philanthropy
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Neighbors Nourishing Neighbors and Gateway Church hosted a fall festival at the 3125 South Coit Road pantry site. The event provided food, games, and inflatables for over 50 attendees to show appreciation for local clients.
Why it matters
The festival served as a community appreciation event for the food pantry, which provides essential support to families throughout the area. It strengthens the connection between the volunteer-supported pantry and the residents who rely on its services.
The pantry currently supports 300 families each week, totaling 1,500 individuals served. Gateway Church contributed 30 volunteers to assist with the operation of the festival.
The players
Neighbors Nourishing Neighbors
This local food pantry provides weekly grocery assistance to families in need and is located at 3125 South Coit Road.
Gateway Church
This religious organization supports community initiatives and provided 30 volunteers to help manage the festival operations.
The details
Pantry staff and volunteers in red shirts organized the event in the property's back lot to ensure clients could enjoy seasonal activities. The pantry has operated in its current Celina location since September 2025 following a fire at its previous site.
Timeline
The food pantry relocated to Celina in September 2025.
The fall festival took place on October 24, 2026.
A 15th anniversary celebration is planned for September 2027.
Market Landscape
This collaborative festival mirrors the 2025 National Food Bank Network expansion trends, which emphasize local partnership to increase client engagement. It positions the pantry as a central pillar of community support by integrating volunteer-driven appreciation events into standard operations.
Clients can access food distribution services on a regular schedule, including dedicated days for seniors. The pantry remains open for distribution on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Fridays to support household food security.
The takeaway
Partnerships between religious organizations and local pantries can successfully provide both material aid and community support. Residents should check official schedules to stay updated on recurring distribution days and future community events.
What happens next
The organization has scheduled a 15th anniversary celebration for September 2027.
Further reading
Find more community support initiatives in Celina Philanthropy.
More information
For more details on pantry services, visit the Neighbors Nourishing Neighbors information page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Star Local.
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Should local food pantries host community social events alongside their food distribution services?
