Houston Food Bank: A History of Fighting Hunger

The Houston Food Bank opened in 1982 in a donated north Houston storefront. Over the decades, it grew into the largest food bank in the country by facility size and distribution. Key moments include joining Feeding America in 1984, distributing millions of pounds during Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Ike, and moving to its 308,000 square foot headquarters at 535 Portwall Street in 2011. In 2015, it received Feeding America's Food Bank of the Year award.

• Collects and distributes food and essential items to people in need across the Houston area. • Responds to disasters like hurricanes, storms, and pandemics by providing emergency food relief. • Partners with member programs across multiple counties in Southeast Texas to reach more families. • Operates a large warehouse and kitchen to sort, store, and prepare food for distribution. • Works with volunteers and community partners to support hunger relief efforts.

• Founded in 1982 — over 40 years of serving the Houston community. • Member of Feeding America, the nationwide network of food banks. • Won Feeding America's Food Bank of the Year award in 2015. • Hosted President Biden and First Lady Dr. Biden in February 2021. • Distributed more than 150 million meals annually as of their 40th anniversary in 2022. • Responded to major disasters including Hurricane Katrina, Hurricane Ike, Hurricane Harvey, COVID-19, and Winter Storm Uri. • Received a 53-acre land donation from Chevron valued at $10 million for future expansion.