As concern over federal aid mounts, group continues to feed hungry in downtown Fort Worth

First Street Methodist Mission has been a pillar in Tannika Gamble’s journey to transition out of homelessness.She first visited the downtown Fort Worth nonprofit in 2014, shortly after receiving housing through Recovery Resource Council. Gamble received one of the Mission’s Home Start-Up Kits, filled with household items to get her situated: everything from blankets, towels and dishware to smaller items, such as a can opener and a plunger. Since then, Gamble has become a regular at the Mission. She visits the nonprofit once a month for groceries, taking a few high-fives and moments for small talk as she walks through the aisles of its client-choice food pantry. “I don’t get food stamps, so this is how I get my food every month,” Gamble said. “So, it’s very important to me.” What started as a grassroots effort by congregants of First United Methodist Church of Fort Worth in the early 1950s has expanded into a stand-alone nonprofit addressing social determinants of health, such as food insecurity and homelessness in the community. Today, First Street Methodist Mission offers emergency food, clothing, infant formula, some financial assistance and case management services to people in need. As federal funding cuts to schools and food banks shake up services across the country, the Fort Worth nonprofit is preparing to sustain its role as a resource and community-builder in uncertain times. Guests at First Street Methodist Mission shop for free groceries in its food pantry on March 19, 2025. The pantry is designed like a grocery store, so guests can select food items of their choice. (Marissa Greene | Fort Worth Report)The U.S. Department of Agriculture canceled two federal programs in March that provided about $1 billion in funding to schools and food banks that purchase food directly from local farmers and suppliers. Tarrant Area Food Bank, one of First Street Methodist Mission’s food suppliers, now faces a $4.2 million shortfall after the federal funding loss. So far, the Mission has managed to keep the shelves stocked with food, said Director Bernie Scheffler. But the pantry has seen less variety in the last few weeks. Changes to federal funding leaves concerns for the future, Scheffler said. “The systems that sustain food pantry networks are really complex,” Scheffler said. “So there’s quite a ripple effect.” Even in the uncertainty, addressing the day-to-day need for food and clothing doesn’t stop for the organization. On March 19, dozens of people lined up around the downtown building, each waiting their turn to pick up free pantry staples and refrigerated items. Volunteers greet the guests with a high-five or fist bump and ask how they’re doing while guiding them through their selections. These key details are what makes First Street Methodist Mission a place for building relationships on top of the aid it offers to people in need, Scheffler said. “A support system goes a long way for stabilizing people in their lives,” he said.First Street Methodist Mission volunteers help guests bag the groceries they received at the food pantry on March 19, 2025. (Marissa Greene | Fort Worth Report)First Street Methodist Mission’s grocery services are not restricted by ZIP code. People in need of free groceries are welcome to visit the facility once a month. Sack lunches are served to individuals who are experiencing homelessness on a first-come, first-served basis.On Mondays and Wednesdays, guests can receive a meal and a cup of coffee or lemonade. Each person who is homeless can receive one sack lunch per service day.One of the biggest solutions to federal cuts will be advocating on the national level to keep funding pauses from becoming permanent, Scheffler said. Officials with Tarrant Area Food Bank previously said they are advocating for legislation to help farmers while providing ongoing assistance to families struggling with food insecurity.Volunteers and financial donations from residents can help nonprofits like First Street Methodist Mission weather the storm, Scheffler said. All monetary donations go directly toward funding the programs and client services of the Mission. Overhead costs, such as utilities and building maintenance, are covered by the First United Methodist Church of Fort Worth, according to its website. The Mission is staffed by an all-volunteer workforce that includes Mark Segura, who worked as a custodian for the church and now is one of the first few faces guests see inside the food pantry. “This is a special place,” Segura said. “God handpicks people to be in this place. I really believe that.” Mark Segura, a volunteer with First Street Methodist Mission, greets people entering the food pantry and ensures they have a basket or shopping cart on March 19, 2025. (Marissa Greene | Fort Worth Report) One of the Mission’s last few clients on a March Saturday was Eva Hunter, who said she has been experiencing homelessness for four years. Hunter appreciates the food assistance, along with the supportive community she feels whenever she walks in. “It’s a very godly place to be here,” Hunter said. “The Holy Spirit is here at all times.” Marissa Greene is a Report for America corps member, covering faith for the Fort Worth Report. You can contact her at marissa.greene@fortworthreport.org. At the Fort Worth Report, news decisions are made independently of our board members and financial supporters. Read more about our editorial independence policy here.