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TranslateWelcome to the Houston Food Bank’s Neighbor Newsletter!
Be on the lookout every 2 months for the next newsletter.
Para español, haga clic en el menú desplegable.
Response to Feedback
Thank you to everyone who filled out the feedback survey! We heard you and are taking your suggestions into consideration.
The Neighbor Newsletter will now be released every TWO months, starting this March. We hope the increased frequency helps to better connect you to the resources you seek.
Respondents also called for more nutrition education and more updates regarding SNAP and other benefits. We will do our best to increase the frequency of these updates!
As always, feel free to share this newsletter, and be on the lookout in May for the next edition!
Trinity River Community Resource Center
Houston Food Bank has a new location serving Liberty, San Jacinto, Trinity, and Walker Counties!
The Trinity River Community Resource Center will host drive-through mobile distributions currently scheduled every third Tuesday of the month, 9am-12pm.
When the TRCRC opens in mid-April, there will be a free neighbor-choice market and onsite navigators to help neighbors apply for programs such as SNAP, Medicare, and CHIP.
Address: 1768 County Rd 3558, Cleveland, TX 77327
Free Tax Preparation
It’s tax season once again! If you need help filing, check out the following resources:
- Baker Ripley offers free professional tax preparation assistance to families and individuals earning less than $58,000. BakerRipley can also help with ITIN applications and renewals.
- The Chinese Community Center offers free tax preparation in English, Spanish, Chinese, and Vietnamese.
- AARP Foundation provides free tax assistance all around the country. Use their site locator to find a location near you.
For more free tax preparation services, call 211.
Take Action on Food Assistance Policy
Congress is currently debating major cuts to food assistance programs. Cuts to food assistance mean fewer people can access and afford fresh, healthy meals—making it harder to stay well, learn, and care for their families.
Lawmakers need to hear from you about why this matters. Speaking up is easy and makes a difference!
Take action: Use our Action Center to tell your elected officials why this matters to you!
Become a Dedicated Volunteer!
Youth: The Student Heroes Program empowers high school students to combat food insecurity by leading and organizing volunteer efforts while developing leadership and project management skills.
Adults: The Apple Core Leaders (ACL) program engages and empowers committed adults. ACLs participate in hands-on projects, community outreach, and administrative support, all while receiving ongoing development.
To express interest in either group, fill out this form.
For other volunteer opportunities visit our volunteer site.
Proxy Food Pickup Guidelines
Houston Food Bank is committed to ensuring that all neighbors have access to food with peace of mind. If you are unable to attend a distribution, you may designate a proxy to pick up food on your behalf.
How to Assign a Proxy:
Provide a signed and dated note that includes:
- Your name (the food recipient)
- Name of the distribution site
- The proxy’s name (the person picking up food)
- A statement authorizing the proxy to collect food for you
- Duration of authorization (specify the start and end date or indicate if it is ongoing).
Important Information:
The proxy must present some form of identification.
No ID is required from the food recipient.
This process helps ensure everyone has access to the food they need.
Hot Potato Salad
Ingredients
- 2 lbs potatoes scrubbed and cut into pieces
- 3 Tbsps. white wine vinegar
- 2 tsp. Dijon mustard
- 1/8 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/8 tsp. black pepper
- Pinch granulated sugar
- 5 Tbsps. olive oil
- 2 Tbsps. chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley or 1 Tbsp. dried parsley
Instructions
- Cook cubed potatoes in a large pot covered by 2 inches of water.
- Bring to a boil over high heat. Boil until tender, 15-20 minutes.
- Drain potatoes.
- While potatoes are cooking, whisk together vinegar, mustard, salt, pepper and sugar.
- Then stir in olive oil.
- Toss hot potatoes with dressing until coated, adding green onions and parsley.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
You can see more recipes and what produce are in our pantries today in Product Seasonality Resource or click here for other recipes.
Hot Potato Salad
Ingredients
- 2 lbs potatoes scrubbed and cut into pieces
- 3 Tbsps. white wine vinegar
- 2 tsp. Dijon mustard
- 1/8 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/8 tsp. black pepper
- Pinch granulated sugar
- 5 Tbsps. olive oil
- 2 Tbsps. chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley or 1 Tbsp. dried parsley
Instructions
- Cook cubed potatoes in a large pot covered by 2 inches of water.
- Bring to a boil over high heat. Boil until tender, 15-20 minutes.
- Drain potatoes.
- While potatoes are cooking, whisk together vinegar, mustard, salt, pepper and sugar.
- Then stir in olive oil.
- Toss hot potatoes with dressing until coated, adding green onions and parsley.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Find help: HoustonFoodBank.org/find-help/
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