The Houston Food Bank
Food for Better Lives
America's largest food bank by distribution, serving over 1 million people who lack access to enough nutritious food.
Through 1,600+ community partners, we provide more than just meals—we offer nutrition education, job training, health support, and pathways to long-term stability.
Get Help → Volunteer →
Food Insecurity in Southeast Texas
More than 1 million people in the 18 southeast Texas counties we serve are considered food insecure. This means they lack consistent access to enough nutritious food to fuel a healthy life.
The impact of COVID-19: Before the pandemic, about 1 in 5 children in Houston lived in food-insecure households. Now that number is 1 in 4. Our daily distribution increased from 400,000 pounds of food in 2019 to 1 million pounds in 2020.
Historical response: We've responded to major crises including Hurricane Harvey in 2017, when we opened two additional warehouses with 240,000 square feet of space, expanded our service area, and welcomed thousands of new volunteers. In February 2021, President Biden visited after a polar vortex hit southeast Texas.
More Than Emergency Food
The Houston Food Bank goes beyond emergency food assistance to address the root causes of hunger. We use an innovative "Food for Change" model that strategically distributes food as a catalyst to help individuals achieve their life goals.
Our three main goals:
📦 Maximize the Engine
Logistics with a mission—applying our capabilities to bring the most value to the community
🔄 Food for Change Model
Strategically distribute food to support participation in social service programs with measurable outcomes
📢 Advocacy
Advocate for policy change and engage the community in dialogue about ending the need for food banks
What makes us different:
- Strong focus on healthy foods: Fresh produce and nutritious options are prioritized
- Comprehensive support services: Nutrition education, job training, health management, and assistance with state-funded programs
- Massive scale and efficiency: 308,000 square foot facility with warehouse, kitchen, and conference center
- Community partnerships: Working with food pantries, soup kitchens, social service providers, schools, and partner food banks in Montgomery County, Galveston, and Brazos Valley
- Data-driven approach: Programs designed with measurable outcomes to create lasting change
Recognition and Excellence
- 13 consecutive years: 4-star rating from Charity Navigator (highest rating possible)
- 2015: Food Bank of the Year by Feeding America
- 2012 and 2014: Pinnacle winner from Better Business Bureau
- Member: Feeding America and Texas Food Bank Network
Our Programs
Backpack Buddy
Nutritious, child-friendly food for school children to take home over weekends and holidays
Learn More →Kids Cafe
Healthy meals and snacks served year-round on weekdays, with nutrition and health education
Learn More →Senior Box Program
Monthly boxes of shelf-stable food, produce, and health items for income-eligible seniors 60+
Learn More →Core Connections Network
8-week chronic disease self-management program pairing health classes with food distributions
Learn More →Serving for Success
Job training and education for individuals in the criminal justice system, preparing them for workplace success
Learn More →Client Assistance Program
Application and technical assistance for state-funded social and health services
Learn More →Emergency Food Pantry
Extended hours to serve working families and individuals, operated with Emergency Aid Coalition
Get Help →Nutrition Education
Classes in nutrition, food safety, meal preparation, and budgeting taught with partner agencies
Learn More →Additional services include:
- Mobile food distributions: Bringing food directly to communities in need
- Drive-thru pantries: Contactless food access for safety and convenience
- Food deliveries and drop-offs: Reaching those unable to visit distribution sites
- Emergency food kits: Ready-to-go packages for immediate assistance
- Virtual assistance: Remote support and guidance
- Community food fairs: Large-scale distribution events in neighborhoods
Ways to Get Involved
Volunteer opportunities include:
- Food sorting and inspection: Ensure quality and safety of donated items
- Repacking food: Create family-sized portions from bulk donations
- Emergency Pantry support: Stock shelves and assist clients
- Keegan Kitchen: Prepare hot meals for Kids Cafe (ages 16+)
- Youth Leadership Program: 16-week program for high school students ages 16-18
- Apple Corps: Dedicated volunteer leaders who complete advanced training
- Community events: Help at food fairs, special fundraisers, and holiday distributions
- Social media ambassador: Share Houston Food Bank updates and stories online
What Volunteers Are Saying
"It's one of the few places in Houston where kids as young as 6 years old can volunteer and do something hands-on. The Food Bank's volunteer programs are extremely well run."
"Despite the overwhelmingly large amount of volunteers, they took in every single one of us and had a job for us. It was really hands-on and fun to do! It's also pretty relaxing, so you can come and do it with your friends."
"It was amazing to see how much food we had packed, and I felt like we did something really beneficial. I will definitely do it again."
About Houston Food Bank
📅 Founded
March 8, 1982 by Bert Bandini
📍 Location
535 Portwall Street, Houston, TX
🏢 Facility
308,000 sq ft with warehouse, kitchen, conference center
🌎 Service Area
18 counties in southeast Texas
Leadership:
- Brian Greene — President and CEO
- Engaged Board of Directors — Providing strategic guidance and oversight
- Experienced Executive Team — Leading operations and programs
Key partnerships:
- Feeding America: Member of the nation's largest hunger-relief charity network of 200 food banks
- Texas Food Bank Network: Collaboration with 19 Texas food banks for statewide impact
- Partner Food Banks: Montgomery County, Galveston, and Brazos Valley
- 1,600+ community partners: Food pantries, soup kitchens, social service providers, schools
Historical milestones:
- 1982: Founded in a storefront donated by Joan and Stanford Alexander
- 1984: Became member of Second Harvest Network (now Feeding America)
- 1988: Purchased 73,000 sq ft warehouse with funding from Albert and Ethel Herzstein Foundation
- 2007: Acquired current 308,000 sq ft facility (former Sysco Distribution Center)
- 2017: Major response to Hurricane Harvey with expanded facilities and volunteers
- 2020: Increased to 1 million pounds daily distribution during COVID-19
- 2020: Served as voting site for presidential election
