Good Samaritans of Garland, “Good Sam”, was formed in 1983 from an alliance of several Garland faith communities with the intent to provide centrally-located services for neighbors in need of assistance. In 2016, the Board of Directors elected to narrow Good Sam’s assistance to providing food with kindness and compassion to our hungry and food-insecure neighbors living in Garland, Rowlett, and Sachse.
Hunger and food-insecurity are closely related, but distinct, concepts. Hunger refers to a physical sensation of discomfort, while food-insecurity refers to a lack of available financial resources for food at the level of the household.
Many of Good Sam’s housed families are caregivers for elderly parents, raising grandchildren, disabled, or facing a family emergency or other unexpected life challenge. In many circumstances, assistance is temporary and extremely valuable in helping families move forward through a difficult time. Often, food assistance reduces anxiety and helps families from falling further into overwhelming need and hopelessness.
How Good Sam offers assistance is of highest priority. Good Sam’s staff and volunteers welcome all guests with kindness and respect, assuring our guests we are available to help them navigate through a difficult time with food and/or resource assistance. People are our #1 priority!