National School Lunch Program
The Houston Food Bank is now the distributor of USDA commodity food for the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), appointed by the Texas Department of Agriculture. Given our long history of experience in moving large quantities of food throughout southeast Texas, you can depend on our courteous professional drivers to serve you with timely and accurate delivery of the food you order for your school.
Contact Information
Brianna Williams, NSLP Coordinator, 832-369-9361
Erica Boston, NSLP Representative, 832-369-9215
Please ensure your information is up-to-date.
To prevent any delay in receiving your product, please visit https://txunps1.texasagriculture.gov/ and update your school’s information. If there are any changes throughout the school year, notify us.
Ordering for your school won’t change.
Orders for the National School Lunch Program will continue to be placed through UNPS at https://txunps1.texasagriculture.gov/
Current delivery schedules are the same.
As the start of the school year approaches, we will analyze our delivery routes and with your help, determine if any changes need to be made.
Find pricing on our website.
Find our current storage fees and delivery fees.
How did the Houston Food Bank become involved with the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)?
The Houston Food Bank has a large truck fleet with drivers who focus on customer service. We distribute food to over 1,600+ community partners in 18 southeast Texas counties. We can easily incorporate deliveries to schools into our existing efforts, with the additional trucks and drivers. We have a long standing history with the USDA and Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) in receiving and distributing their products through our various programs. We are excited to add NSLP to our already-established programs.
What does a food bank know about school meal programs?
The Houston Food Bank is well-versed in cooking and serving meals for children in institutional settings, so we are well-acquainted with the demands of producing large quantities of prepared meals. Our Keegan Kitchen prepares 4,000 meals a day during the school year and 7,000 during the summer months for children in 70 after-school programs throughout our service area.
In addition, food banks have a long history of handling USDA commodity foods. Nearly 30% of the food we distribute to our partner agencies comes from the USDA commodity program. We pack and distribute boxes to 12,000 seniors in Harris County provided through the Commodity Supplemental Food Program.
Will schools be receiving donated or reclaimed foods for the National School Lunch Program?
Absolutely not. We receive, store, distribute, and deliver your ordered product. Our various USDA and TDA programs are separate from our donated and reclaimed products programs. Our drivers will come to your schools first to drop off your orders. Your orders will not be mixed with any other foods received or handled by the Food Bank.
What are our drivers like? Will I have the same one each time?
We understand that a relationship with your delivery driver is important for consistency and also feeling connected to the NSLP process. Our delivery drivers are hired with customer service in mind and we intend to establish regular routes so you can form a relationship with the same driver for each delivery.
What will the delivery trucks look like?
Trucks making deliveries to schools will have the Houston Food Bank logo. If anyone expresses concern about the quality of food you’re receiving, you can assure them that your food receives special handling as a separate product stored and distributed from our warehouse. Located on the east side of downtown Houston, our warehouse has a long history of use as a food distribution facility by Sysco Foods.
Will NSLP food be housed in the same truck as donated pickup products?
No. Any donated product to be brought back to our warehouse will be picked up after NSLP food is delivered.
Who do we contact if there is a problem or concern?
Please contact Shemika Jenkins directly.
Can I pick up my ordered product from the Houston Food Bank?
Yes. If you choose to pick up your order at our receiving docks at 535 Portwall Street, only a small handling fee will apply. Make arrangements for pick up with receiving@houstonfoodbank.org