HOUSTON – With thousands out of work and children home from school, the number of Houstonians in need of food has skyrocketed in the last two months.
A Houston Food Bank distribution event at the Berry Center Wednesday showed a long line of cars beelining through the parking lot around the building and even stretching out on the roads. Volunteers worked as fast as they could to load up waiting cars with food.
HERE 2 HELP: 5 ways your kids can help local food pantries in the Houston area
The Houston Food Bank has that they are seeing a historic demand for food as more Houstonians struggle to put food on the table among the coronavirus closures. It has been taking steps to ensure everyone who needs a meal is able to get one.
Need help? Here are resources
The Houston Food Bank is hosting almost daily food distribution events around the area to make sure the most vulnerable are getting the help they need.
You can find a Houston Food Bank partner near you using this map and can see when the sites are open, what time and where you need to go. Call the Houston Food Bank helpline at 832-369-9390 for more help.
Summer Meal Sites
The map below shows all the locations you can get meals for your children this summer.
Summer Food Service Program: At Home Children Meal Boxes
Eligible families that need help feeding their children through the summer can apply for the At Home Children Meal Boxes program. If the families meet certain criteria, they can be eligible to receive a meal box of five frozen lunches and five breakfasts delivered once a week to their home. To learn more and apply, click here. For a Spanish application form, click here.
How you can Help Feed Houston
KPRC 2 joined Houston Astros third baseman Alex Bregman and his Alex’s Army effort to raise $2 million to help feed Houston-area residents experiencing food insecurity during the COVID-19 crisis. Proceeds raised through Bregman’s FEEDHOU campaign will directly benefit the Houston Food Bank, a non-profit committed to feeding the hungry in the Houston area.
Give: Every $1 you donate can help provide three meals. Donations can be made by typing “FEEDHOU” in a text message to the number 41444 or by visiting Alex’s Army fundraising page.
Volunteer: If you are healthy and want to make an impact, the Houston Food Bank needs you! Register at houstonfoodbank.org to see available volunteer shifts for individuals or small groups. Volunteer safety is a priority and appropriate safety measures will be taken, including social distancing.
Read more about KPRC 2′s efforts with Bregman here.