Houston Food Bank launches emergency crisis plan to feed families hit by SNAP cuts and government shutdown

HOUSTON (KIAH) – The Houston Food Bank is stepping up in a big way as the federal government shutdown and cuts to SNAP benefits leave families across the region struggling to put food on the table.

Brian Greene, CEO, President of the Houston Food Bank said the demand for food assistance has surged in recent weeks, forcing them to launch an emergency crisis response plan aimed at keeping meals flowing not only to those who have been using the services, but now even more.

“This is not about politics, it’s about people. We’re ensuring families impacted by the government shutdown have access to nutritious foods while also protecting the stability of Houston Food Bank’s regular network. Our goal is to respond quickly, efficiently, and with dignity for those in need of assistance, some of whom have never needed it before,” said Brian Greene, President, CEO of Houston Food Bank.

Texas is one of the largest SNAP states in the nation, and Houston is home to a high concentration of federal and contract employees. In Houston Food Bank’s 18-county service area alone, more than 425,000 households will be left without much-needed SNAP benefits to help buy groceries, and more than 55,000 federal and military workers are already missing paychecks.

The plan expands mobile food distribution sites, extends operating hours, and strengthens partnerships with local schools to ensure children who rely on free or reduced lunch programs continue to get meals. The Food Bank has launched several special food distributions to support neighbors whose SNAP benefits have been interrupted or federal employees who are not receiving paychecks.

Pastor James Lee, who oversees Bethel’s Heavenly Hands distribution site, said this government shutdown needs to be treated like any other crisis, such as a hurricane, tornado, or flood, and everyone should have a hand in helping one another to get over the hurdles.

“In any time of crisis, in any time of disaster, we’re going to partner with the Houston Food Bank as one of their largest partners to make sure that those resorces get to the community,” said Lee.

Officials said the distributions provide quick access to healthy groceries for families who may be struggling during this government shutdown. According to the organization, even if your benefits or pay have not been interrupted, you are welcome to access help through our regular partner network.

To meet the growing demand, the food bank is also working with local churches and community centers to reach neighborhoods hit hardest by the shutdown’s economic fallout. Organizers said the food bank will be operating under extreme pressure, trying to keep up with the demand of a sudden spike in families needing help.

Starting Wednesday, the organizations will be helping federal employees first. Already missed a paycheck they have been hit the hardest at the moment. Saturday, the phases to help others in need will begin, starting with the recipients whose SNAP benefits are cut effective 11/1/2025.

10/29/25	3pm – 7pm	HISD Barnett Stadium	[Register Here]     FEDERAL EMPLOYEES ONLY
11/1/25	9am – 1pm	NRG Stadium	[Register Here]
11/1/25	9:30am – 1pm	Catholic Charities – Richmond	[Register Here]
11/4/25	8am – 1pm	Bethel’s Heavenly Hands	[Register Here]
11/8/25	9:30am – 1pm	Catholic Charities – Richmond	[Register Here]
11/11/25	8am – 1pm	Bethel’s Heavenly Hands	[Register Here]
11/15/25	9:30am – 1pm	Catholic Charities – Richmond	[Register Here]
11/18/25	8am – 1pm	Bethel’s Heavenly Hands	[Register Here]
11/22/25	9:30am – 1pm	Catholic Charities – Richmond	[Register Here]
11/29/25	9:30am – 1pm	Catholic Charities – Richmond

In order to receive help with putting food on the table, register for the site nearest to you, and officials said to have your confirmation code and a photo ID, if available, when you arrive.

Please visit our Find Food map or call 211 to locate the nearest partner site.

For information on how to donate, volunteer, or find a nearby distribution site, visit houstonfoodbank.org.