Advocacy Council

Addressing and eliminating food insecurity is at the center of our work. But, how do we reduce the need for food pantries and shorten the line?

The Houston Food Bank Advocacy Council – We are Houston Food Bank partners (pantries, schools, organizations) and neighbors with lived experience of food insecurity. Together, as ambassadors of our communities, we raise awareness, share solutions, and push for policies that address hunger at its roots.

What We Do

Together, we’re building towards a future without hunger.

Share the stories from those facing hunger.
Champion policies tackling food insecurity and it’s root causes.
Bridge communities and decision makers.
Educate decision makers and the community on responsive policy.
Collaborate locally with partners and neighbors for systemic solutions.

In Harris County, over 1 in 6 people are food insecure.

But, food alone isn’t enough to truly end food insecurity.

That’s why we amplify local voices and bridge the gap between policymakers and the communities they serve. By sharing lived experiences and highlighting the complexities of food insecurity, we help shape solutions that work.

Our Priorities

Root causes of food insecurity

As the Houston Food Bank Advocacy Council, we are on the frontlines of food insecurity, where we see firsthand that hunger is never just about food.

Housing

Housing instability is a major issue. High rents, a lack of affordable options, and low income have made where to live a constant source of worry. We’ve seen families living in temporary housing, overcrowded homes, even living in their cars or on the streets. For many, it’s a choice between paying rent or buying food.

More than half of Harris County families are housing cost-burdened.

Health

Health and hunger go hand in hand. We see families skipping meals to afford medications or delaying care altogether because they simply can’t afford it. The cheapest food is often the least healthy, leading to long-term health conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure. And mental health struggles compound these challenges.

20% in Harris County are uninsured.

Paths of Opportunity

Even with jobs, many of our neighbors are struggling. Education and employment can lead to financial stability, but hunger gets in the way. College students skip meals to afford rent, and working families are stuck choosing between food, utilities, and housing. Without steady, livable incomes, opportunity moves out of reach.

52.4% of those who are food insecure are employed full-time.

Food Assistance

Food programs like SNAP, WIC, and school meals provide critical support when families need it most, but they are not a solution. Accessing these programs is a struggle, and for many, the benefits simply fall short of meeting needs. On their own, these programs cannot address the root causes of food insecurity. To create lasting stability, they must be paired with solutions in health, housing, and access to opportunity.

32% of Harris County families earn above the federal poverty line but still can’t afford the basics to live.