HOUSTON – Mayor Sylvester Turner, the Houston Food Insecurity Board, Whirlpool Corporation and the Houston Food Bank announced the launch of the “100 Pantries in 100 Days” initiative Tuesday to address food deserts in the Houston area.
According to a news release, the “100 Pantries in 100 Days” project allows non-profits, including community centers and faith-based organizations, to establish food pantries in communities by using refurbished residential refrigerators provided by Whirlpool Corp., creating a second life for those refrigerators. City Council Member Edward Pollard’s office and the Food Insecurity Board said they’ve worked closely with the Houston Health Department to ensure proper permitting, inspection and approval of the pantries.
“Food is a basic necessity of life, and no one should have to worry about where their next meal is coming from,” said Council Member Pollard. “When we created the Food Insecurity Board last year, the goal was to put a spotlight on the issues and root causes of food insecurity in our city. I believe the 100 Pantries in 100 Days program is a powerful step forward that will help many families throughout Houston. We are truly grateful for Whirlpool Corporation’s contribution to this important effort.”
“Our sales organization has teamed up all around the country with pantries like the Houston Food Bank to help create thriving communities that children and their families can consistently depend on,” said Pam Klyn, senior vice president for Corporate Relations and Sustainability for Whirlpool Corp. “Communities across the U.S. are grappling with food insecurity, with millions of American adults saying they are not getting enough to eat or they cannot always afford the types of food they want. This is why Whirlpool Corporation has made it a priority to support these communities by supplying them with Feel Good Fridges to help provide access to healthy and nourishing food.”
The Houston Food Bank and others will provide fresh produce, meat, dairy, and non-perishable food, and the community at large will be able to make food donations. Program applications are available on the Food Insecurity Board website.