7.5 Million Meals: Houston Food Drives Target Holiday Hunger
Nine local groups are accepting donations through December, with drop-off windows narrowing as Thanksgiving approaches.
By Kofi Costa ·
Keep US Fed Montgomery County has donated food for millions of meals since its inception as a Leadership Montgomery County Class of 2015 project. The organization reported gathering the equivalent of 7.5 million meals during its last campaign in November. This figure stands as a benchmark for the current drive, which remains open for donations through Nov. 24.
Donors in the Greater Houston area have specific deadlines to meet for several major initiatives. Prince of Peace’s Thanksgiving Loaves & Fishes will accept perishable foods, including frozen turkeys and pies, only on Nov. 21 at the Mercy Center. Staff members request that donors sign up to schedule a donation, though the organization notes that registration is not mandatory. Drop-off times are listed on the group's website.
Operation Turkey hosts Turkey Tailgates on Nov. 25, the day before Thanksgiving. The Texas-based nationwide organization provides meals to homeless and less fortunate individuals. Donors can drop off monetary gifts, care packages, clothing, drinks, and dinner rolls at four Houston locations and one in Katy. The Katy site at 1050 Katy Fort Bend Road accepts donations from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Houston sites on Campbell Road, Almeda Genoa Road, and Main Street operate on similar morning and afternoon schedules.
City Wide Club runs its CW 39 Super Feast, which feeds thousands of people in Houston. The group has designated multiple drop-off locations, including Sprouts, Kroger, Chick-Fil-A, and Stellar Bank. Most locations accept donations only on Nov. 23. The George R. Brown Convention Center is an exception, receiving donations Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. during the week of Nov. 23. Staff members prefer that donors deliver perishables to the convention center.
Cy-Fair Helping Hands fills Thanksgiving Blessing Boxes for families in need. The group accepts deliveries from Monday through Thursday or on the first and third Saturdays of the month. Donations are due through Nov. 12. Suggested items include grocery store gift cards, stuffing mix, canned mushroom soup, and boxed mashed potatoes. The drop-off location is at 9204 Emmott Road in Houston.
St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Memorial is hosting a holiday food drive for local families and the Western Houston Assistance Ministries. The church accepts turkeys, hams, and gift cards. Donors can drop off items in the Activity Center office from Monday to Thursday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. The group also accepts donations on Sunday, Nov. 15, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The final deadline for this drive is Nov. 17.
The 14th Annual Fifth Ward Fall Festival will take place on Nov. 21 and will offer free turkeys. People can drop off donations for the event on Thursdays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry is also active, hosting a holiday food drive to assemble baskets for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Pantry donations are accepted on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. according to the organization's website.
The Montgomery County Food Bank is hosting a food drive from Nov. 1 through Dec. 31. Residents, businesses, and schools can register to host drives at their locations. All food donations must be turned in by Dec. 12. The food bank is located at 1 Food for Life Way in Conroe. Suggested items include canned beans, canned meat, cereals, jelly, and grains.
