Houston Businesses Step Up to Help Federal Workers and SNAP Recipients
At midnight on October 1, the federal government shut down, leaving key nutrition programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program in limbo. More than 3 million Texans rely on SNAP each month to help feed their families. With funding set to lapse on November 1, millions of Americans could lose access to their benefits just as the holiday season begins.
In Houston, the potential fallout has already sparked a community-wide response. From the Houston Food Bank expanding its distribution network to restaurants offering free meals for furloughed workers, local businesses and nonprofits are stepping up to fill the gap. In addition to existing food banks and regional organizations, here’s how Houston is rallying to feed and take care of its own during the SNAP pause, plus tips on how you can help:
This article will be updated. Have information to add? Please email us at [email protected] and [email protected]
Houston Food Bank
Earlier this week, the city’s largest food bank announced it would expand its food distribution initiatives during the shutdown and the cancellation of November SNAP benefits. Large-scale food pantries will be set up across the city, with HFB providing food for 15,000 federal employees and SNAP recipients weekly (more than 20 dates are already scheduled). Distribution packages will contain protein, produce, dairy, and carbohydrates. View the complete list of distribution dates here, and use this searchable map to find Houston Food Bank pantries, meal programs, and distribution partners. Please contact the pantry before visiting to confirm their hours, services, and requirements.
Lasagna House
Until the government reopens, the FM 1960 location of this Chicago-born Italian restaurant is participating in “Furlough Friday,” which invites federal employees affected by the shutdown to get a free meal. Show your federal ID to receive free lasagna or a pasta bowl, with salad, bread, and iced tea.
The restaurant has already been visited by TSA agents, Social Security employees, and FBI and FDA agents, according to social media. “We hate to see people go hungry, especially those who work so hard for us!” Lasagna House wrote in a Facebook post.
Miya’s Munchies
Local caterers Sumiyyah and Khaliq Harvey are offering free large chicken pot pies for federal employees and SNAP beneficiaries. Just order a pie online and show your federal ID or SNAP card at pickup, located at 11150 Beltline Road. Want to show your support? Miya’s Munchies is also hosting a “sponsor a pot pie” program, where donations of $10 and more will go directly to feeding families in Greater Houston.
Nina Quincy, Rex Hospitality
In a trend that’s picking up on social media, Nina Quincy, the director of operations of Rex Hospitality (Maven Coffee & Cocktails, Solaris), has put out a call for a “grocery buddy” in hopes of sponsoring a family that will not have SNAP benefits for the month of November. She's helped launch a new, still-developing initiative called Find a Grocery Buddy, which will aim to connect donors and people in need so that groceries can be sent "safely, directly, and with dignity." For updates, follow accounts on both TikTok and Instagram.
Quincy, who previously worked for Underbelly Hospitality, is no stranger to humanitarian efforts. In 2022, she traveled to Poland to help World Central Kitchen prepare and serve food for tens of thousands of Ukrainian citizens seeking safety and assistance as Russia attacked its borders.
Petit Beignets and Tapioca
Co-owner Nan Ngho plans to launch SNAP Kitchen on Saturday, November 1, outside of this beignet, boba, and banh mi shop. Those who can provide proof that they are a SNAP recipient will receive a free sandwich, juice, and fruit for themselves and their family members, according to a KHOU report. Ngo is also accepting donations of food to cook meals for those in need. Distribution will start at 11 am just outside Petit Beignets & Tapioca (22490 State Highway, Ste. A, 77070).
Trash Panda Drinking Club
This local watering hole plans to donate all proceeds from its Threk cocktail sales on Halloween to fund a food drive for people who have lost SNAP benefits due to the shutdown.
Other charities and organizations distributing or donating food
To find a food pantry near you, click the Find Food button on WhyHunger, enter your zipcode, and search for areas near you. Be sure to cross-reference the location’s website or phone number to ensure they are still in operation and service dates are up to date.
All Saints St. Vincent de Paul
Heights
According to its website, this church's food pantry operates from 9 to 10:30am Monday through Thursday, and on Wednesday evenings from 6 to 7:30pm. Donations of non-perishable food items, including canned goods, bread, eggs, cereal, rice, beans, and pasta, as well as toiletries, can be dropped off at the pantry during hours of operation.
1035 Cortlandt, 713-741-8234
Beacon of Hope Isle Market
Galveston
Appointments are preferred at this local food pantry, but locals are also welcome on weekdays from 8:30am to 4pm. Drive-through food distribution starts at 9am (until all food is distributed) every Wednesday of the month, based on a schedule issued by the Galveston County Food Bank.
4700 Broadway, Avenue J, Suite B-101, Galveston
Casa Juan Diego Pantry
rice military
This local catholic organization distributes food from 7 to 11am on Tuesdays, 9-11am on Thursdays, and Saturdays. It accepts food donations from 9am to 3pm Monday through Saturday.
4818 Rose Street, 713-869-7376
Christian Community Services Center
upper kirby
This location offers assistance in the form of five-day food packages, hygiene kits, diapers, and gently used clothing, but, according to its website, those seeking assistance must first undergo an interview. It’s suggested to provide proof of identification and a current address, but it is not required.
3434 Branard St, (713) 961-3993
Guadalupe Center Market
east end
Drive-through food distribution is available on select days (9-11am), including November 4 and 15, and December 2, 13, and 23. Walk-ins are available to anyone from November 3 through December 16, 9 to 11:30am on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Seniors aged 62 and above can visit on Tuesdays from 10am to 1pm. Those picking up bags for people experiencing homelessness can walk in on Fridays from 11 am to noon.
326 S Jensen Dr, 713-251-6919
Heights Interfaith Ministries Food Pantry
Heights
Food distributions at this local pantry occur 4-6pm on Thursdays and 10-noon on Saturdays. Items offered include pantry staples, fresh produce, eggs, bread, and frozen meat, as well as diapers, baby formula, and toddler food for those with young children. To receive food, individuals must present a photo ID and a bill or document that verifies a Houston address.
3523 Beauchamp st
The Impact Resource Center
Washington Ave/Heights area
This church, which provides food for around 2,500 families each month, distributes food and groceries from 8:30 to 10:30am on Tuesdays and from 5:30pm to 7:30pm on Wednesdays. Its clothing room is also open three days a week.
For those seeking to donate, the resource center requests rice and beans, furniture and household items, and financial contributions. For more information, email [email protected] or visit the website.
1712 Depelchin St
Mamie George Community Center
richmond
This Richmond food pantry, which reopens on November 2, invites those in need to shop for their own groceries by appointment. There are also drive-through food distributions on Tuesdays (4:30-6:30pm), Thursdays (8:30-11:30am), and on select Saturdays (9:30am-noon).
1111 Collins Road
The Mahagoney Project Community Center
westwood
Among its many services for trans and queer community, the Mahagoney Project also offers a food pantry, food services, bus vouchers, and a clothing closet.
9896 Bissonnet St, Suite 550, (713) 637-4197
Montrose Center
Montrose
Through its H-E-B Emergency Pantry, the Montrose Center provides boxes of food, clothing and hygeine supplies to its clients receiving case management or advocacy services at the center. Those who are not clients can receive assistance through an intake process. For a full list of hygeine products and non-perishable and ready-to-eat food items you can donate, visit its website.
401 Branard St
Southside Church of Christ
Southwest Houston
Catering to the Hiram Clarke and South Post Oak communities, this church food pantry offers groceries on the second Tuesday from 3 to 5pm and on the fourth Saturday of the month from 9 to 11am.
13835 Buxley St
Target Hunger
Multiple locations
Provides drive-through food fairs that distribute food on a first-come, first-served basis at locations around the city, as well as monthly food assistance. Visit its website for more details.
Trinity East United Methodist Church
Third Ward
Attend one of its monthly food pantry curbside distributions on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month (2-5pm) or on every third Saturday from 9am-noon. Appointments can be requested by texting (346-809-7431 or 713-659-7765) or emailing the church at [email protected].
2418 McGowen st
Wesley House Houston
near northside
Drive-up and walk-up food services are available on Wednesdays and Fridays from 9am to noon. Shop by appointment only on Thursdays by calling ahead (713-236-9008).
1235 Lorraine St
YMCA of Greater Houston
multiple locations
This nonprofit community service center hosts food distribution services around the city.
- Willow Creek Apartments, 7575 Office City Drive Building, #66: 9am-1pm, Mondays and Tuesdays
- Tellepsen Family Downtown YMCA, 808 Pease St: 9am-1pm, Tuesdays and Thursdays
- Mission Woods Pantry, 25469 Borough Park Drive, Spring: 9am-1pm, Monday, Wednesday, Friday; and 9-11am Thursday for produce distribution
How you can help
- Donate to a local food bank.
- Contact your local food pantries, ask what items they need, and donate.
- Find a grocery buddy (someone you can help sponsor or buy their groceries during November).
- Call your local representatives.
