In 1991, a simple act of compassion unfolded in a Los Angeles garage. Dave and Lynn Phillips began distributing food to neighbors in need—an effort that would grow into a global movement known as Children’s Hunger Fund (CHF). Driven by a deep desire to bring hope to children and families suffering the effects of poverty, CHF has since reached across 30 countries and 18 U.S. states, delivering over 750 million meals and impacting more than 380 million children.
At the heart of this mission is a humble box: the Food Pak. These boxes, filled with non-perishable, nutritious food, are hand-delivered by trusted local church partners directly into the homes of families in need. More than just sustenance, each Food Pak carries dignity, builds trust, and opens the door for lasting transformation, both physically and spiritually.
In 2009, CHF opened its first Texas distribution center in San Antonio, and it expanded to Dallas-Fort Worth in 2016. Now, the organization is writing a bold new chapter. On May 2, 2025, Children’s Hunger Fund broke ground on an 85,000-square-foot facility in the Town of Prosper. Slated to open in 2026, this state-of-the-art center will allow CHF to distribute five million meals annually across North Texas and beyond.
The decision to build in North Texas was both strategic and compassionate. The region is home to more than one million children living in poverty, and neighboring states like Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Louisiana face similar challenges. CHF recognized that North Texas offered more than just need—it provided opportunity. With access to major highways and a central location near DFW International Airport, Prosper became the ideal hub for national and international distribution.
But this expansion goes far beyond logistics.
At the new facility, CHF will introduce a remarkable initiative: Poverty Encounter. First launched in Los Angeles in 2018, this award-winning, immersive exhibit brings the harsh realities of global poverty to life. Designed by Hollywood set designers, the experience takes visitors on a powerful, multi-sensory journey into the lives of children in places like Haiti, Guatemala, and Eastern Europe. Each visit ends not only with understanding—but with action. Guests participate in hands-on volunteer activities, making a real and immediate difference. With nearly 70,000 visitors expected annually, Poverty Encounter in Prosper will become a cornerstone for education, empathy, and community engagement.
As construction continues, Children’s Hunger Fund is already calling on the Celina and broader North Texas communities to get involved—and there are many ways to do so.
First, by serving.
The new facility will feature a 10,000-square-foot volunteer center, welcoming over 35,000 volunteers annually. Here, individuals, families, churches, schools, and corporate teams will come together to assemble Food Paks and prepare essential supplies for distribution.
Second, by giving.
While CHF has invested significantly in bringing this vision to life, the journey is not yet complete. A capital campaign is underway to ensure the Prosper campus reaches its full potential. Every gift—large or small—helps bring hope to more children.
Third, by partnering.
The facility is designed to be more than a warehouse; it’s a gathering place. Churches, civic groups, educators, businesses, and community leaders will find space to meet, collaborate, and grow together, transforming shared values into real, lasting impact.
And finally, by spreading the word.
From social media to local events, every voice matters. As awareness grows, the collective response to the call for compassion becomes increasingly greater.
Though the new center won’t open until 2026, CHF’s mission in North Texas is already in full motion. Just south of Prosper, the current operation in Frisco is open for volunteers and community partners eager to get involved. As CHF lays the foundation for something bigger, it’s not just building a facility—it’s creating a movement.
From the streets of Celina to the far reaches of the world, Children’s Hunger Fund continues to deliver more than meals. It provides hope—one family, one community, one Food Pak at a time.
ChildrensHungerFund.org