When the COVID-19 pandemic first hit the Houston area last year, food shortages in those neighborhoods where access was already limited to fresh and healthy food became even worse.

HOUSTON – Harris County is providing $550,000 to help combat food insecurity. The Harris County Healthy Food Financing Initiative will increase the availability of fresh and nutritious food in underserved communities by funding innovative solutions through community partners, the county announced Wednesday in a press release. Here is how the organizations plan to allocate the grant:HOPE Clinic : Teach restauranteurs to prepare healthy food for their menus. Houston Food Bank : Increase food pantry capacity and SNAP enrollment. Kristen House, Houston Food Bank Partner Capacity Manager, said:On behalf of Houston Food Bank, we are so grateful and excited to start working with our partners on HFB’s new Targeted Enhanced Partner Capacity Project.