Meet Stoney Washington | Executive Director & Founder

We had the good fortune of connecting with Stoney Washington and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Stoney, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
Our business is centered around being intentional about the lives of people in need—no matter what age, race, gender, religion, or socio-economic background. We help our community by engaging with people and intentionally taking care of them mentally, physically, and spiritually. Our three pillars are education and mentorship; community outreach; and community partnerships; through these we partner with schools to help provide mini food pantries and engage in mentorship for our youth. We also provide food, clothing, toiletries, diapers, wipes, formula, socks, and other necessities to the community. Homeless shelters, women’s shelters, churches, and foster organizations are some of the many organizations that we partner with to provide them with the necessary resources that are needed to effectively impact the community. Here at Soul Food, we see ourselves as first responders to crisis when it comes to people in need.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
One of the things that sets our business apart is that we have the privilege to work with people who not only genuinely care for other people, but also know what it’s like to be in need. One of the things I am most proud of is seeing people that our organization has helped turn around and help other people. The way I got to where I am today, business wise, was by taking a leap of faith. This by far was one of the most difficult decisions I have ever made in my life. God gave me a dream/vision that felt so real–I couldn’t escape it. I knew starting a resource center was a calling and not just a business or a job. When I decided to walk in my purpose I ran into all kind of challenges. We lost our home that we were renting due to mold; my daughter got really sick from the mold; our finances were the lowest they had ever been; my marriage was struggling partially due to my wife’s mental health postpartum; and my dog ran away. The way I overcame these challenges was through my faith in God. I knew that if he called me to it, then he would bring me through it. I prayed countless times and just trusted in the vision God gave me. One of the lessons I’ve learned throughout the whole process is that you can’t cut corners on your journey to purpose. Your purpose requires a different version of yourself that takes steps to unlock. I want the world to know that there is no limit to what you can do when you have faith in God.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If I had some one visiting for a week, one of the first places I would take them is to is terry blacks BBQ in deep Ellum. Their brisket sandwiches are fire!!! I like shoes so the next place we would go is to Plano which has one of my favorite shoe stores called Prized kicks DFW, after a fun filled time of shopping the next place, I would go to hang out is in bishop arts and maybe catch some live music. we would definitely have to hit up a brunch spot called brunchaholics that has one of the dopest soul food burritos ever. As far as the night life we would do some type of Game night and throw a get together with some of the homies in a backyard somewhere where we have good conversation, food and some good drinks. I would definitely go on a hike at Arbor hills trails and get a slice of carrot cake at the cake bar.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First off, I would like to thank God for giving me a dream and bringing it to fruition, He has been faithful from the start. Secondly, I would like to thank my wife Kierra and my daughter Sienna for not giving up on me and sticking with me through one of the biggest risks and transitions of our life as I stepped away from my full-time job, to pursue my purpose. I would like to thank my father and family who have fully supported me from day one. I would like to thank my amazing community of friends who have constantly prayed and believed in the vision from the moment I’ve started this organization. I’d like to thank everyone that has donated and has given a contribution to helping Soul Food -Food pantry reach and help transform the lives of many individuals.

Website: souldfoodfp.org

Instagram: stoneyzw (personal) soulfoodfoodpantry (business)

Linkedin: Stoney Washington

Facebook: Stoney Z Washington

Image Credits
Kelcee Phillips; IG: @k.n.gphotography Josiah Hernandez; IG: @josiahdanielhernandez