A Hand Up, Not Just a Hand Out
VISTO — Volunteers In Service To Others — has been helping Cooke County families overcome crisis through food, financial support, and life-changing education programs since 1988.
Of Cooke County, by Cooke County, for Cooke County
Founded in December of 1988 in collaboration with the Ministerial Alliance, VISTO is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to helping our neighbors in times of crisis and enabling them to get back on their feet.
Four Ways We Help
From emergency food assistance to life-skills coaching, VISTO's programs meet families where they are and help them move forward.
Food Pantry
Cooke County's largest food pantry, operating a client-choice model in partnership with the Tarrant Area Food Bank since 2015. Provides food for an average family of 4 for 2 weeks.
Pathways
Life skills classes, personal coaching, and community partnerships for single parents and young families on the path to self-reliance. Covering 8 key life areas.
Backpack Buddies
Weekend meal backpacks for food-insecure children in 15 Cooke County schools. Serving 1,174 children with 35+ volunteers ensuring no child goes hungry over the weekend.
Education & Referral
A triage model connecting clients with short-term assistance and longer-term community resources. 80% of clients use services 6 times or less per year — we're a bridge, not a crutch.
Join us for Murder 76240 — our live mystery fundraiser — and the Concert for VISTO — an evening of music and community gratitude. These community events are our wholehearted thank-you to Cooke County.
View All Events →"VISTO embodies the philosophy of offering a hand up, not just a hand out."
How You Can Help
Every donation, hour of volunteering, and act of advocacy directly helps a family in Cooke County. Here are three ways to get involved today.
Advocate
Spread the word, share our mission, and help raise awareness for food insecurity in Cooke County.
Start AdvocatingDonate
93¢ of every dollar goes directly to assistance. Your gift — no matter the size — makes a direct impact.
Make a DonationVolunteer
Join our army of amazing volunteers and give the gift of your time to neighbors in need.
Get InvolvedWhat Our Community Says
"VISTO was there when I didn't know where to turn. They didn't just hand me food — they helped me find my footing again."
"Volunteering at VISTO's food pantry is the most rewarding thing I do each week. You can feel the impact immediately."
"The Backpack Buddies program changed everything for my kids on weekends. Knowing they'd have food gave me peace of mind."
Ready to Make a Difference?
Whether you give your time, your resources, or your voice — you have the power to change a life in Cooke County today.