Texas is home to a wide network of food banks dedicated to combating hunger and providing essential resources to communities across the state. The Feeding Texas network includes 20 member food banks that serve all 254 counties, ensuring that millions of Texans have access to nutritious food and support services.
Houston Food Bank
The Houston Food Bank, the largest food bank in the U.S., provides hunger relief in 18 southeast Texas counties. They distribute fresh produce, meat, and nonperishables and prepare nutritious meals in their Keegan Kitchen.
- Location: 535 Portwall St., Houston, TX 77029
- Service Counties: Austin, Brazoria, Brazos, Burleson, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Grimes, Hardin, Harris, Jasper, Jefferson, Liberty, Madison, Montgomery, Newton, Orange, Polk, Robertson, Sabine, San Jacinto, Trinity, Tyler, Walker, Waller, Washington
- Contact Number: 832-369-9390
- Website: Houston Food Bank
North Texas Food Bank
The North Texas Food Bank fights hunger in 13 counties through food distribution and various nutrition programs, serving children, seniors, and families in need.
- Location: 4500 S. Cockrell Hill Road, Dallas, TX 75236
- Service Counties: Collin, Dallas, Delta, Denton, Ellis, Fannin, Grayson, Hopkins, Hunt, Kaufman, Lamar, Navarro, Rockwall
- Contact Number: 214-330-1396
- Website: North Texas Food Bank
Central Texas Food Bank
Central Texas Food Bank serves 21 counties, providing nutritious food and educational programs to help people lead healthy lives. They distribute millions of pounds of food each year.
- Location: 6500 Metropolis Drive, Austin, TX 78744
- Service Counties: Bastrop, Bell, Blanco, Burnet, Caldwell, Coryell, Falls, Fayette, Freestone, Gillespie, Hays, Lampasas, Lee, Limestone, Llano, McLennan, Milam, Mills, San Saba, Travis, Williamson
- Contact Number: 512-282-2111
- Website: Central Texas Food Bank
San Antonio Food Bank
San Antonio Food Bank provides food and grocery products to 16 counties, supporting individuals and families with food assistance, nutrition education, and economic development.
- Location: 5200 Old Highway 90 W., San Antonio, TX 78227
- Service Counties: Atascosa, Bandera, Bexar, Comal, Edwards, Frio, Guadalupe, Karnes, Kendall, Kerr, Medina, Real, Uvalde, Wilson, Zavala
- Contact Number: 210-337-3663
- Website: San Antonio Food Bank
El Pasoans Fighting Hunger
El Pasoans Fighting Hunger is the primary food distribution center in El Paso County, dedicated to alleviating hunger through food distribution, education, and advocacy.
- Location: 9541 Plaza Circle, El Paso, TX 79927
- Service Counties: El Paso
- Contact Number: 915-298-0353
- Website: El Pasoans Fighting Hunger
East Texas Food Bank
East Texas Food Bank provides food assistance and support services to 26 counties, aiming to alleviate hunger and improve community health.
- Location: 3201 Robertson Road, Tyler, TX 75701
- Service Counties: Anderson, Angelina, Bowie, Camp, Cass, Cherokee, Franklin, Gregg, Harrison, Henderson, Houston, Leon, Marion, Morris, Nacogdoches, Panola, Rains, Red River, Rusk, San Augustine, Shelby, Smith, Titus, Upshur, Van Zandt, Wood
- Contact Number: 903-597-3663
- Website: East Texas Food Bank
How Texas Food Banks Operate
Texas food banks operate through a network of local partners, volunteers, and donors. They receive food donations from various sources including grocery stores, food manufacturers, and community food drives. This food is then sorted, stored, and distributed to partner agencies such as food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters. Many food banks also offer additional services like nutrition education, health screenings, and assistance with applying for benefits like SNAP. Mobile food distributions help reach rural and geographically isolated communities.
How to Donate to Food Banks in Texas
- Monetary Donations: Contribute through one-time or recurring donations via food bank websites.
- Food Donations: Donate non-perishable food items at drop-off locations or organize food drives.
- Volunteer: Offer your time at food sorting and distribution events.
- Corporate Partnerships: Companies can collaborate with food banks for larger impact through matching gifts and sponsorships.
- Planned Giving: Include food banks in your will or estate planning for long-term support.
- Fundraisers: Host or participate in fundraising events to support food banks.
Importance of Texas Food Banks
Texas food banks play a crucial role in addressing food insecurity and hunger across the state. They provide essential nutrition to millions of Texans, including vulnerable populations like children, seniors, and low-income families. By distributing food and offering support services, food banks help improve health outcomes and stabilize communities. They also contribute to reducing food waste by rescuing surplus food and redirecting it to those in need. Engaging in advocacy, they work to influence policies that address the root causes of hunger and poverty.