HOUSTON — The Houston Food Bank is seeing a higher demand than usual this Thanksgiving, officials said. In fact, it’s a demand the food bank has seen rise over the last several months.
“People are still struggling with inflation, with the price of food, and the price of gas,” said Amy Ragan, chief development officer of the Houston Food Bank.
According to the USDA, food prices rose almost 10% in 2022, more than three times the 20-year average. Ragan said that’s led to a 13% jump in applications for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as food stamps. However, because the federal government cut extra pandemic-era SNAP benefits in February, Ragan said that’s also pushed more people to the food bank.
“In so many cases, it’s not a lot to start with,” said Ragan of the SNAP payments.
Ragan said most of HFB's clients have jobs, but she believes the struggle to afford food is “a living wage challenge”.
On Tuesday at the HFB warehouse, hundreds of volunteers and staff helped sort and package food destined for roughly 1,600 partners across 18 counties in Southeast Texas.
Ragan said she’s grateful for the support of the Houston community in meeting the need.
“We appreciate that and hope they’ll step up again this holiday season,” she said.
Also on Tuesday, other businesses and organizations were stepping up to help families provide Thanksgiving dinner.
The Houston Rockets partnered with Kroger and G-Unity Foundation to hold a drive-thru distribution of turkeys, potatoes, pies, and Thanksgiving sides at the Toyota Center to families needing assistance.
“It helps me and my family out a great deal,” said one woman. “I thank God for them.”
Anyone looking to help those in need can volunteer or donate to the Houston Food Bank through the website.