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Welcome to the Houston Food Bank’s Neighbor Newsletter!
Be on the lookout every 2 months for the next newsletter.
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Prepare Together, Recover Stronger with United Way of Greater Houston
Equip your family for emergencies by attending a Disaster Preparedness & Resilience Workshop with your loved ones. United Way of Greater Houston is hosting free events designed to equip neighbors across Southeast Texas with the knowledge, resources, and tools you need to prepare for the unexpected — with additional emphasis on communities facing the highest disaster risk, including those located in rural areas and designated Community Disaster Resilience Zones (Harris County). The Household Preparedness Plan is available in 10 languages!
United Way Fillable Household Plan (English)
2026 Summer Disaster & Resilience Workshops:
- Friday, July 24, 4pm- 7pm at 21274 FM 1098, Prairie
View, TX 77446 (Katy Responds Waller County) - Saturday, July 25, at Montgomery County Community
Assistance Center,1022 McCall Ave, Conroe, TX 77301 - Saturday, August 1, 9am – 12pm at BakerRipley, 720
Fairmont Pkwy, Pasadena, TX 77504 - Saturday, August 8, 9am – 12pm at Access Health, 400
Austin St, Richmond, TX 77469 - Saturday, August 15, 9am – 12pm at Community Family
Centers, 7318 Ave F, Houston 77011
Big News for Rural Families: New Summer Feeding Sites are LIVE!
Houston Food Bank is expanding access to free summer meals by adding new rural non-congregate meal distribution sites, making it easier for families in rural communities with transportation barriers to receive nutritious meals for children when school is out. At these sites families can pick up boxes that contain anywhere from 5-10 days’ of nutritious meals.
Rural Non-Congregate Food Sites
- Faith Mission WIC – 100 S. Chappell Hill St., Brenham, TX
77833 - Sealy Christian Pantry – 412 Old San Felipe Rd., Sealy, TX
77474
Through the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), the Houston Food Bank provides more than 12,000 meals each day at 250+ community sites throughout the summer. This year’s summer program runs June 8 – August 7, 2026. Children ages 1–18 are eligible to receive free meals (up to 21 with disabilities). Families can find additional summer meal locations and distribution schedules by searching the Houston Food Bank’s Kids Cafe online site map or by calling 2-1-1. For questions about the Kids Cafe SFSP program, email kidscafe@houstonfoodbank.org or call 832-369-9371.
HFB Trivia: How many hours did volunteers collectively serve at Houston Food Bank last fiscal year?
Enter for a chance to WIN a Visa gift card!
Our SNAP Summer Tour is on the road again!
This summer, we’re bringing benefits assistance directly to the communities we serve through our SNAP Summer Tour. From Houston to Galveston, Baytown to Lake Jackson, our team will be visiting community centers, housing communities, food pantries, health fairs, and family events to help individuals and families access the benefits and resources they need.
The Community Assistance Program can assist with applying for, renewing, or managing the following benefits:
- SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
- Medicaid and Children’s Medicaid
- CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program)
- TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
- Healthy Texas Women
- Medicare Savings Programs
Our team will provide free, confidential, one-on-one assistance and can help determine what programs neighbors may qualify for. Whether someone is applying for the first time, renewing existing benefits, reporting changes, or simply exploring available resources, we encourage neighbors to stop by and speak with us. The tour sites can be found here.
Do you know who represents you? Find out which elected officials serve your community!
Who Represents Me and My Community?
Change for Better Lives
Sign up for our Action Center and join a community where your voice matters.
Turkey Lentil Meatballs
Ingredients
- 1 cup green lentils
- 2 cup water
- 1 lbs of lean ground turkey
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt or more to taste
- 1 bunch parsley
- 1 small carrot grated (about 100 g)
- 1 onion small, diced (about 70 g)
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- Italian seasoning to taste
Instructions
- In a sauce pot, bring 2 cups of water to boil and lentils.
- Reduce heat to a simmer. Cook 35-40 minutes until soft. Stir frequently. Drain.
- Mash until smooth. Add eggs and mash until blended.
- In a separate bowl, mix together turkey, parmesan, garlic, seasoning, salt and pepper.
- Add lentils and parsley. Mix well.
- Form ¼ cup size meatballs using your hands.
- Heat oil in pan over medium heat.
- Brown meatballs on all sides until golden, crispy and cooked through. (beef 160F; turkey 165F)
- Place meatballs in a ready-made sauce and top with parsley and parmesan.
Video
Notes
- Lentils soak up water quickly. Watch as they cook and add hot water ¼ cup at a time while stirring to avoid scorching and sticking.
- Lentils can be pureed in a blender or food processor for a smoother texture.
- Flour your hands when forming the meatballs.
Find help: HoustonFoodBank.org/find-help/
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