The Pantry Project

United Way of Hood County

Welcome to The Pantry Project—a community cooking show hosted by Ruth and produced by Hood Talk Media out of the United Way of Hood County Hub in Granbury, Texas. Each episode takes fresh, local ingredients straight from area food pantries and transforms them into quick, practical, and delicious meals right at home. It’s all about smart food prep, healthy habits, and highlighting the vital community programs making a difference right here in Hood County. Tune in, get inspired, and let's get cooking!

Episodes

  1. Oct 29

    The Pantry Project Episode 5 with Lisa Deese from Atmos Energy

    Welcome back to The Pantry Project! In Episode 5, host Ruth is joined by special guest Lisa Deese, Manager of Public Affairs for Atmos Energy.In this episode, we sit down with Lisa to learn all about her day-to-day role managing community investments and what Atmos Energy does to support our region. We dive into how Atmos Energy generously provided the grant to build our brand-new multimedia studio at the United Way of Hood County Hub, why this partnership was a perfect fit for their mission, and the exciting community stories we can't wait to bring to life on our platforms! On the Menu: No-Fuss Potato SoupWarm up with our cozy, simple-to-make potato soup recipe. It's comforting, budget-friendly, and perfect for any chilly evening! Ingredients6 cups diced potatoes 5 cups water 1 cup diced onions 1/2 cup diced celery 1 cup chopped carrots 1 Tbsp margarine or butter 4 tsp chicken bouillon granules 1/2 tsp salt & pepper 12 oz can evaporated milk 3 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley 2 cups shredded cheese InstructionsCombine the diced potatoes, water, diced onions, diced celery, chopped carrots, margarine or butter, chicken bouillon granules, salt, and pepper in a large pot. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes until the vegetables are tender. Stir in the evaporated milk and chopped fresh parsley, heating through gently without letting it boil. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheese until completely melted and creamy. Serve warm! Local Food Pantry Operating Hours & Locations in Granbury, TexasBeyond the kitchen, we want to highlight our incredible local food pantries here in Granbury and their current operating hours:Loaves and FishesAddress: 500 West Bluebonnet DriveHours: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.Rancho Brazos Community Center (in affiliation with Paula's Pantry)Address: 3224 Tumbleweed LaneHours: Fridays, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.People Helping PeopleAddress: 306 King's PlazaHours: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.Mission GranburyAddress: 3611 Plaza East CourtHours: Tuesdays through Thursdays, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.; Wednesdays, 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.La ReunionAddress: 2723 Maplewood StreetHours: Tuesdays, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.Note: Make sure you stick around for the bloopers at the end!Connect with UsLike, comment, and subscribe for more local recipes and community stories from Hood County!

    The Pantry Project Episode 5 with Lisa Deese from Atmos Energy
  2. Oct 28

    Cheesy Potato Skillet & Food Pantry Real Talk with Josh Morrison | The Pantry Project Ep. 4

    Ruth is back in the kitchen, this time with Josh Morrison, the President of Neighbors Feeding Neighbors, and they're whipping up a delicious cheesy potato black bean skillet!While cooking up this comforting dish, Josh shares some truly eye-opening information regarding food pantries, the vital work they do, and the very real challenges they are currently facing in our communities. It’s an inspiring, deeply informative conversation about how we can all come together to make a difference. You can always head over to the Neighbors Feeding Neighbors Facebook page or visit www.nfnhoodcounty.org to get updated information on local pantries, community news, and a full list of locations—including the current list of pantries offered across Hood County and the 18 outdoor mini-pantries scattered around the area. Interested in volunteering? You can head over to that website as well to find out how you can help!    Local Food Pantry Operating Hours & Locations in Granbury, Texas Beyond the kitchen, we also want to highlight our incredible local food pantries here in Granbury and their current operating hours: Loaves and Fishes Address: 500 West Bluebonnet Drive Hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Rancho Brazos Community Center (in affiliation with Paula's Pantry) Address: 3224 Tumbleweed Lane Hours: Fridays, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. People Helping People Address: 306 King's Plaza Hours: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Mission Granbury Address: 3611 Plaza East Court Hours: Tuesdays through Thursdays, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.; Wednesdays, 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. La Reunion Address: 2723 Maplewood Street Hours: Tuesdays, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. P.S. Make sure you stick around for the bloopers at the end.

    Cheesy Potato Skillet & Food Pantry Real Talk with Josh Morrison | The Pantry Project Ep. 4
  3. Oct 28

    The Pantry Project Episode 3: Quick 5-Minute Bean Dip Recipe with Dora Garcia

    The Pantry Project | Episode 3 is LIVE! Episode 3 of The Pantry Project is officially live on YouTube. Chef Ruth is joined by special guest Dora Garcia, Program Coordinator for food insecurity initiatives at the Cook Children’s Center for Community Health. We dive deep into Dora's incredible work connecting families with fresh food, container gardening workshops, and local partnerships with groups like Rancho Brazos Community Centers and Texas A&M AgriLife. Plus, we're sharing a quick, healthy, and budget-friendly recipe you can whip up in minutes using basic pantry staples! Today's Featured Recipe: Dora Garcia’s 5-Minute Creamy Bean SpreadChoose your beans: 1 can of white beans, 1 can of garbanzo beans, or 1 can of pinto beans Base: Olive oil or cooking oil Citrus: 1 lemon Choose your seasonings: Roasted garlic, salt and pepper, taco seasoning, or cumin Choose your veggies (for dipping): Carrots, celery, bell peppers, tomatoes Local Food Pantry Operating Hours & Locations in Granbury, TexasBeyond the kitchen, we also want to highlight our incredible local food pantries here in Granbury and their current operating hours: Loaves and Fishes Address: 500 West Bluebonnet Drive Hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Rancho Brazos Community Center (in affiliation with Paula's Pantry) Address: 3224 Tumbleweed Lane Hours: Fridays, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. People Helping People Address: 306 King's Plaza Hours: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Mission Granbury Address: 3611 Plaza East Court Hours: Tuesdays through Thursdays, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.; Wednesdays, 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. La Reunion Address: 2723 Maplewood Street Hours: Tuesdays, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Be sure to check out the new video, try out the bean spread, and please share this post to help spread the word about these valuable community resources! #ThePantryProject #CookChildrens #CommunityHealth #GranburyTX #HealthyEating #LocalFoodPantries #ChefRuth #HoodTalkMedia

    The Pantry Project Episode 3: Quick 5-Minute Bean Dip Recipe with Dora Garcia
  4. Oct 28

    The Pantry Project Ep. 1: Easy Spaghetti Bake Recipe

    Welcome to the very first episode of The Pantry Project, produced under Hood Talk Media in partnership with the United Way of Hood County! Join our host, Chef Ruth, as she shows you how to turn simple pantry staples into an incredible, comforting meal. In this premiere episode, Chef Ruth whips up a delicious, cheesy Spaghetti Bake and welcomes special guest deAnna Hines, Executive Director of the United Way of Hood County, to taste-test the final masterpiece straight from the oven! Spaghetti Bake RecipeIngredients: 8 oz uncooked spaghetti 3 cups cooked ground beef 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with the juice 1 jar (24 oz) tomato sauce 2 cups shredded mozzarella, divided 2 tsp. Italian seasoning 1 tsp. garlic powder 3/4 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. black pepper 2 cups beef stock 1/2 cup shredded parmesan Instructions: Prep & Mix: Combine your uncooked spaghetti, cooked ground beef, diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato sauce, beef stock, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, parmesan cheese, and half of the shredded mozzarella in your baking dish, mixing thoroughly. First Bake: Cover and bake at 400°F for 50 minutes. The Cheese Finish: Uncover, add the remaining mozzarella cheese on top, and bake for another 5 minutes until melted, bubbly, and golden brown. Serve & Enjoy: Let cool slightly before serving! Make sure to like, comment, and subscribe for new recipes every week! Let us know in the comments what pantry ingredients you want to see us cook with next. Learn more about our community initiatives at United Way of Hood County website www.unitedwayofhoodcounty.com 1618/5000

    The Pantry Project Ep. 1: Easy Spaghetti Bake Recipe

About

Welcome to The Pantry Project—a community cooking show hosted by Ruth and produced by Hood Talk Media out of the United Way of Hood County Hub in Granbury, Texas. Each episode takes fresh, local ingredients straight from area food pantries and transforms them into quick, practical, and delicious meals right at home. It’s all about smart food prep, healthy habits, and highlighting the vital community programs making a difference right here in Hood County. Tune in, get inspired, and let's get cooking!