Programs
NOTICE: Beginning November 7th Food Service will be from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. only.
Food Service
Open to any resident of the Van School District who meets the annual income guidelines for 130% of poverty and who can produce proof of residence. Produce is available to any resident regardless of income. Food Service Hours are the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of each month from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and Sr. Box distribution as the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of each month from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Financial Assistance is available only to regular food pantry clients. Those requesting assistance must show not only a need but how they plan to meet their obligations in the future. Help with rent is limited to the last $100 and only available once in 12 months. Utility assistance is limited $50 once in 12 months. Phone bills are paid only in health-related cases. Prescription assistance is limited to non-narcotics of $50 or less once in a 12 month. The prescription must be filled at Brookshire’s in Van. Gasoline is provided for medical and work-related cases only and is limited to $20 once in 12 months. Financial assistance is limited to three times for each: rent, utilities, prescriptions, and gasoline.
Back Pack Program
In conjunction with the Van ISD we provide non-perishable food bags to eligible school students weekly. Funding for this program is through donations made specifically for the Back-Pack Program. Back Pack ProgramWe currently have 53 VISD students receiving back packs each week with a supply of food for the weekend. The cost per student is $117 per year. If you would like to help sponsor one of these students and keep them from being hungry over the weekend please send your donation - any amount will help - to Van Community Ministries, 205 S. Maple, Van, TX 75790 and mark your check "Back Pack" The students will thank you. You can also donate online at the top of this page.
If you send your donation directly to East Texas Food Bank we will NOT get credit for it.
Neighbors Helping Neighbors
After the tornado 2015 restoration was finished a group of volunteers noticed that there were other projects where help was needed. As a result, they formed the group known as “Neighbors Helping Neighbors”. They approached Van Community Ministries and asked to be part of the ministry. The Board approved the request in November, 2016.The goal of Van Neighbors Helping Neighbors is to organize volunteers to help citizens of Van that are unable to maintain their property because of physical or financial reasons. They started this organization in the spring of 2016 by helping an elderly lady demolish her late husband’s shop. From there they have helped a family whose husband’s hours at work had been cut in half, their home needed repairs and property cleaned up. During the middle of this project the husband passed away, so they halted the work on this property with plans to pick it back up in the coming weeks. They moved on to a sweet little elderly couple that had tornado damage to their property and didn’t have any family to help. They cleared a small barn on their property and took down the fence that was damaged. They leveled the property so that he would be able to walk around in his yard and mow it himself. They have since helped him with his gas and water lines.
They worked with 150 Sky Ranch college campers in the fall by picking up the trash and debris around town. This spring they will be working with Youth With a Mission to help several homeowners within the city of Van that are unable to work in their yards.
They have an advisory committee who meet monthly at the Van Movie house and the public is invited to attend. Since they work under the Van Community Ministries nonprofit status, tax- deductible donations can be made on their behalf.
Their desire is for the community to work together-Neighbor Helping Neighbor - to beautify Van, one property at a time.
For up to date information like their Facebook page.
Senior Box Program
Senior Box Program A 35 pound box of non-perishable food is provided once a month to those 60 years old and older who meet income eligibility requirements. Applicants must show proof of age and income. Those receiving Food Stamps need only bring their eligibility letters. All applications must be made in person at the VCM office, 205 S. Maple, Van, Texas. Call 903-963-1616 with questions or for more information
