Stories of Hunger

Food insecurity - Hope over hunger

Eva and Erica


Eva and Erica work hard to care for their children. These sisters are struggling with limited budgets so they combined their households and moved in together to save on expenses. Erica has three kids – ranging in age from 4 to 19 – and her oldest works at a local restaurant while attending school. Eva has five kids – the oldest is 13 and the youngest is 4. With so many growing children to feed, it’s sometimes hard to make ends meet.

That’s why these sisters are grateful their children bring home food every weekend through the weekly Backpack Buddy distribution. Both sisters are so thankful for the help that they also volunteer at their children’s elementary school to help hand out backpacks and anything else that’s needed.

Eva says, ”The food my children bring home in their backpacks is helpful for the kids and our family. Some kids might not have anything to eat without it. Now, they don’t have to go to bed hungry.”

Her sister, Erica, adds, ”It breaks my heart to hear the parents ask if there will be food every Friday. We are going through a tough situation, but maybe their situation is worse.”

The Backpack Buddy program distributes 45,000 food sacks each month to 12,000 students in southeast Texas. Your compassionate support is critical to ensure that food gets into the hands of hungry boys and girls throughout Houston.

Erica knows her children, nieces and nephews would struggle to eat without the assistance from Houston Food Bank and friends like you. She says, “I appreciate what you do so much – not just for us, but for everybody who needs it. Please keep giving because it is helping. Thank you!”