Houston groups launch \u201cOperation Feed Our Soldiers\u201d to deliver food to Fort Hood families amid the federal shutdown, which is delaying military pay.<\/p>\n
HOUSTON \u2014 As the federal shutdown continues, uncertainty is growing for service members and their families, including soldiers at Fort Hood in Killeen.<\/p>\n
In response, local veterans\u2019 groups, nonprofits and community leaders in Houston have launched Operation Feed Our Soldiers, a citywide food drive collecting non-perishable goods for military families facing food insecurity.<\/p>\n
The effort is led by VFW Post 8790 in Spring Branch, with help from Houston Millennials, Hearts of Grace Foundation, Hoodies for Healing, Social Good in Action and several Rotary clubs and private-sector partners.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Two 18-wheelers are set to deliver donations directly to Fort Hood on Saturday, Nov. 8.<\/p>\n
“They\u2019re not sure how November\u2019s going to be. Thanksgiving\u2019s coming. The holidays are coming,” said Catherine Alexander, President of the VFW Post 8790 Auxiliary.<\/p>\n
According to the Military Times, the Armed Services YMCA food pantry near Fort Hood has seen a 34 percent increase in visits since the shutdown began, with shelves being emptied before noon. Organizers said that\u2019s why Houston stepped up.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis isn\u2019t politics \u2014 it\u2019s humanity,\u201d said Ivan Sanchez, President of Houston Millennials. \u201cSoldiers are still showing up to serve, but many aren\u2019t sure when their next paycheck will come. We\u2019re simply doing what Houston does best \u2014 standing up when our heroes need us most.\u201d<\/p>\n
Donations are being accepted at VFW Post 8790, located at 1560 Veterans of Foreign Wars Way, Houston, TX 77055.<\/p>\n Wednesday through Friday, 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. (staff available on-site)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n A secured 24-hour bin is also available for after-hours drop-offs.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Final collection day: Friday, November 7 (morning drop-offs accepted Saturday, November 8).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Organizers are requesting non-perishable items such as:<\/strong><\/p>\n Canned goods: vegetables, fruit, soup, beans, chili, pasta<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Dry goods: rice, boxed mac & cheese, stuffing mix, cereal, pancake mix<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Pantry staples: peanut butter, jam, flour, sugar, oil, salt, baking mixes<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Beverages and snacks: coffee, water, granola, trail mix, applesauce<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Extras: condiments and can openers<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Avoid glass containers and expired products.<\/p>\n For more information, visit FeedOurSoldiers.Eventbrite.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n
\nHow to help<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n
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