Once again, Houston businesses and restaurants are stepping up to help those in need.
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. Funding was set to lapse on November 1, putting millions of Americans at risk of losing access to their benefits just as the holiday season begins. Despite mixed messaging from President Donald Trump, the White House has agreed, per court order, to partially fund SNAP benefits, though the administration has not specified when.
In Houston, the potential fallout has 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 as well as info on food deliveries for homebound individuals:
Have information to add? Please email us at [email protected] and [email protected].
This article was last updated on November 5 at 1:33 p.m.
Midtown
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
Multiple Locations
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
Spring
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
Downtown
On November 10, EBT and SNAP recipients can show their cards at Medium Rare between 11:30am and 1:30pm for a free meal consisting of their signature steak frites and a soft drink. The restaurant also operates the nonprofit Feed the Fridge, which addresses food insecurity in Maryland and Washington, D.C. through community refrigerators.
3201 louisiana, ste. 110
Greenspoint
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
Nina Quincy, Rex Hospitality
Multiple Locations
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.
ACCESSIBILITY NOTIFICATION: This service provides deliveries for homebound individuals.
Cypress
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
Other charities and organizations distributing or donating food
To find a food pantry near you, click the Find Food button on WhyHunger, enter your zip code, 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.
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 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.
1035 Cortlandt, 713-741-8234
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 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
East Side
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 serve 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
rice military
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
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
downtown
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 host a blanket drive for houseless individuals.
550 McKinney
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, 9–11:30am 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
Heights
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.
3523 Beauchamp
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
Brays Oaks
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
richmond
This Richmond food pantry 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
westwood
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
Montrose
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. Those who are not currently clients can receive assistance after applying and going 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
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
Multiple locations
This organization provides monthly food assistance and drive-through food fairs that distribute food on a first-come, first-served basis at locations around the city. Visit its website for more details.
ACCESSIBILITY NOTIFICATION: This service provides deliveries for homebound individuals via proxy, though it requires an initial in-person visit.
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 (9am–noon). Appointments can be requested by texting (346-809-7431 or 713-659-7765) or emailing the church at [email protected].
ACCESSIBILITY NOTIFICATION: This service provides deliveries for homebound individuals.
2418 McGowen
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
multiple locations
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
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 groceries for during the shutdown).
- Deliver food to people who are unable to reach food distribution centers.
- Call your local representatives.