Nutrition & Health
Nutrition & Health
The Nutrition Education and Health Promotion team plays a vital role in supporting neighbors experiencing food insecurity by equipping them with the knowledge and tools to make healthier, more nutritious food choices. Through education and outreach, the team helps individuals understand how balanced diets can improve not only their physical health but also their overall quality of life. By empowering communities with practical nutrition guidance, the team is helping create stronger, healthier, and more resilient lives.
Food Framework
We are dedicated to expanding access to nutritious foods that fuel the health and well-being of our community. Our Food Framework, guided by the Healthy Eating Research (HER) Guidelines, uses a simple, color-coded system, green for the most nutrient-dense choices, yellow for moderate options, and red for foods to enjoy less often to make nutritious eating easier to see and understand. This clear, visual approach empowers everyone to make informed, balanced choices that support lifelong wellness.
Green – Choose Often
Foods that support daily health and chronic disease prevention
Yellow – Choose Sometimes
Foods that can be enjoyed in moderation.
Red – Choose less often
Foods higher in added sugar, sodium or less nutritious fats
The purpose of this frame is to:
- Improve access to healthier options
- Encourage long-term health
- Uphold dignity through choice for all neighbors
Updates on Our Work
Your Body Knows Best!
Your Body Knows Best! Food and Culture Written by: Abigail Nguyen, UH Intern Spring 2026 From messages like “don’t eat too much” or “finish everything on your plate,” many [...]
Bringing Healthy Cooking to the Community with ARPA and Houston Food Bank
Bringing Healthy Cooking to the Community: Highlights from the NE&HP Team Cooking Demonstrations Healthy eating starts with knowledge, access, and confidence in the kitchen. Through our recent cooking demonstrations, our [...]
Community Health Summit 2026
The Houston Food Bank and the Kinder Institute for Urban Research convened leaders across healthcare, policy, academia, and community organizations for the 2026 Community Health Summit on March 24, [...]
Source: Feeding America. (September 2025). Elevating Voices: Insights Report.
Our Team
Celeste
Health Promotion Specialist
“With a strong focus on the connection between nutrition, culture, and whole-person health, I believe true well-being goes beyond food it’s shaped by environment, tradition, and lived experience. As Houston Food Bank’s Health Promotion Specialist, I aim to support holistic, sustainable approaches to wellness that respect both cultural identity and individual needs.”
Jennifer
Nutrition Educator/Chef
“Food transcends cultural and social boundaries, creating space for learning and connection. As a Nutrition Educator and Chef with the Houston Food Bank, I’m committed to empowering individuals and families to make healthier choices. Seeing my class participants grow in confidence and nutritional awareness has been truly rewarding, and I look forward to continuing this impactful work.”
Kellee
Nutrition Educator
“As a Nutrition Educator, I am dedicated to nourishing both bodies and communities. My passion for cooking and connecting with neighbors through food drives my mission to make healthy eating approachable, enjoyable, and rooted in togetherness. I lead hands-on cooking demonstrations, community workshops, and wellness initiatives that celebrate culture, creativity, and connection through food. I believe that every meal is an opportunity to build relationships, inspire healthier habits, and strengthen the fabric of the community.”
Jasmynn
Nutrition and Partnerships Senior Manager
“I care deeply about the health and dignity of our neighbors. Every day, I’m reminded that real change happens when we come together, when we listen, collaborate, and build trust across communities. Partnerships are at the heart of everything I do. They allow us to expand access to nourishing food and create spaces where people feel seen, supported, and empowered. This work is personal, and I’m grateful to be part of a mission that centers compassion, equity, and connection.”
