Starting November 1, Axelrad will run a food drive to help benefit the Houston Food Bank. If you prefer to donate money instead, show them proof of a donation of $10 or more to receive a free beer. As they point out on their Instagram, $1 is enough to feed three hungry Houstonians through the food bank.

1517 Alabama

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.

Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis has also announced his collaboration with the food bank to host Neighborhood Supersite Food Distributions, providing fresh food and staples to families across the county. "Together, we are working to ensure families across Harris County can access the food and resources they need," he wrote in a Facebook post. Distribution sites include:

• Bethel's Heavenly Hands (12525 Fondren Rd, #M, Southwest Houston): 8am-1pm, Tuesday, November 11 and 18
• Community of Faith Church (1024 Pinemont Dr, #100, Northside): 3-7pm, Thursday, November 6, 13, and 20
• Northwest Assistance Ministries (15555 Kuykendahl Rd, #319, Northwest Houston): 8am-1pm, Saturday, November 8, 15, and 22

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.

217D Cypress Creek

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. Want to show your support? Miya’s Munchies is also hosting a “sponsor a pot pie” program, where donations of $10 or more will go directly to feeding families in Greater Houston. 

11150 Beltline

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 also helped launch a new, still-developing initiative called Find a Grocery Buddy, which aims 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.

Co-owner Nan Ngo 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 meal for themselves and their family members, according to a KHOU report. Ngo is also accepting donations of food to cook for those in need. Distribution will start at 11am just outside Petit Beignets & Tapioca

22490 State Highway 249

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 nonperishable 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.

ACCESSIBILITY NOTIFICATION: This service provides deliveries for homebound individuals and families. 

1035 Cortlandt, 713-741-8234

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 and lasts until all food has been given out every Wednesday of the month, based on a schedule issued by the Galveston County Food Bank.

4700 Broadway, Ave J, Ste B-101, Galveston

As they say on their Instagram: "Yes, what we do is books. But what we really do is community." In addition to offering 100% free books and records, Book Cycle will also be serving as a food pantry. They are available for both donations as well as pickups, and are operating independently of any local food banks. 

405 Velasco

This local Catholic organization distributes food 7–11am on Tuesdays, 9–11am on Thursdays and Saturdays. It accepts food donations 9am–3pm Monday through Saturday.

4818 Rose

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

Houston's chapter of Food Not Bombs is open on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays beginning at 7pm, serving both hot and cold vegan and vegetarian meals. Bowls and spoons are provided. For the colder months, they will also be hosting a blanket drive for houseless individuals. 

550 McKinney

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, 9–11:30am on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Seniors aged 62 and up can visit on Tuesdays from 10am to 1pm. Those picking up bags for people experiencing homelessness can walk in on Fridays 11am–noon.

ACCESSIBILITY NOTIFICATION: This service provides deliveries for homeless individuals and families. 

326 S Jensen

Food distributions at this local pantry occur 4–6pm on Thursdays and 10am–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. 

ACCESSIBILITY NOTIFICATION: This service provides deliveries for homebound individuals and families. 

3523 Beauchamp

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

On the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month, India House serves as a food distribution center for the Houston Food Bank, offering nutritious, shelf-stable pantry essentials. 

The next food distribution drive is scheduled for November 12 and 26 from 10:30 to 11:30am, or until supplies last. 

8888 W Bellfort

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

Among its many services for the trans community, the Mahogany Project also offers to-go snack bags, bus vouchers, and a clothing closet.

9896 Bissonnet St, Ste 550

Through its H-E-B Emergency Pantry, the Montrose Center provides boxes of food, clothing, and hygiene 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 hygiene products and nonperishable and ready-to-eat food items you can donate, visit its website.

401 Branard St

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

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.

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

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

This nonprofit community service center hosts food distribution services around the city.

• Willow Creek Apartments, 7575 Office City Dr, Bldg #66: 9am–1pm, Mondays and Tuesdays
• Tellepsen Family Downtown YMCA, 808 Pease St: 9am–1pm, Tuesdays and Thursdays
• Mission Woods Pantry, 25469 Borough Park Dr, Spring: 9am–1pm, Monday, Wednesday, Friday; and 9–11am Thursday for produce distribution