Houston Food Bank projects record year as 20% SNAP drop hits region
Katherine Byers of the Houston Food Bank links a decline in federal food assistance participation to rising local needs for rent and utility aid.
By Adriana Abebe ·
The Houston Food Bank anticipates serving more families in the coming year than in the previous one, a surge driven by households struggling to cover groceries, rent, and utilities.
Katherine Byers, a representative for the organization, notes that the period leading up to Thanksgiving creates specific financial pressures. Reduced work hours often occur when school breaks begin, forcing parents to balance childcare with employment. These scheduling changes coincide with rising costs for gas, rent, and electricity.
The organization reports a decline in the number of Texans participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP. Byers attributes this drop to the passage of H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill. She estimates that approximately 20% fewer families in Texas are currently enrolled in the program compared to the pre-legislation period.
Some families fail to meet new work requirements, while others remove themselves from the program out of fear regarding potential sanctions. Byers explains that SNAP benefits provide a substantial portion of a family's food access. For every single meal the food bank distributes, she notes that SNAP benefits can fund nine meals.
"Food banks cannot possibly fill the enormous gap that cutbacks to SNAP leave," Byers said. The organization is assisting residents with understanding work requirements, applying for benefits, and completing recertification processes.
Requests for assistance extend beyond food. The Houston Food Bank serves an 18-county region, including Harris, Fort Bend, and Brazoria counties. Byers reports an increase in calls from people needing help with housing and utility costs. Harris County currently holds one of the highest eviction rates in the United States, which intensifies the urgency for rental aid.
The food bank collaborates with United Way and the 2-1-1 system to connect individuals with organizations that provide financial support for essential expenses. Families often face difficult choices regarding which bills to pay first. "Families are always having to make hard choices between things like rent, medicine, utilities," Byers said.
Byers expressed concern that stigma may prevent some residents from seeking assistance during the holiday season. She fears that families will avoid using available services due to the social perception surrounding food aid.
The Houston Food Bank will host its Share Your Holidays program from November 30 through December 4. Families can register by calling a number listed on the organization's website to receive a special holiday food package. These packages are available for pickup at designated partner locations.
The organization is also seeking donations and volunteers to support its holiday operations. Residents can use the Find Food tool on the Houston Food Bank website to locate nearby pantries, or call 2-1-1 for assistance with housing and utilities.
