ABC13's Share Your Holidays: How to help Houston Food Bank with rise in need and high call volumes

[Bewildered Badger]

Houston Residents Urged to Help Feed Neighbors Amid Rising Food Bank Needs

The Houston Food Bank is bracing for a surge in demand as the city continues to grapple with food insecurity, prompting ABC13's Share Your Holidays initiative to kick off earlier than expected.

A recent government shutdown exacerbated the issue, resulting in an astonishing 1,800% increase in demand at some food banks. While SNAP benefits are now back in place, organizations like the Houston Food Bank remain committed to ensuring impacted families don't go hungry.

Residents can get involved by donating through one of eight drive-thru locations, where volunteers will be accepting non-perishable items such as granola bars, crackers, trail mix, and nuts. Canned goods, including low-sodium options, meats, fruits, vegetables, pasta, beans, and soups are also in high demand.

Donations collected through Share Your Holidays will help provide three meals for individuals struggling to access nutritious food. Every dollar donated can make a significant difference, providing essential sustenance for those in need.

Food insecurity affects an estimated one million people in southeast Texas, with 85% of households having at least one working adult and 72% being homeowners. According to the Kinder Institute's Center for Community and Public Health, nearly 40% of Houston and Harris County households experience food insecurity, far exceeding the national average.

The situation is not unique to Texas; a recent report from Feeding America reveals that Texas has the highest number of people facing food insecurity in the nation, with over 5.3 million Texans struggling to access basic necessities. Rural areas often face higher rates of food insecurity due to limited transportation and economic constraints.

As Houston residents come together to support those in need through Share Your Holidays, ABC13 is pushing for a record-breaking response. With donations being accepted until New Year's Eve, every can, box, or dollar counts in the fight against hunger.

 

[Extreme Ha]

Ugh I'm so done with these charity initiatives . Like how do you even organize a drive-thru food bank? It's just going to create more traffic and congestion on the roads. And what about the environment? All those cans and boxes are just going to end up in some landfill or recycling center, it's not like they're actually going to make a difference in people's lives.

And have you seen the demand for low-sodium options? Like, who even thought that was a good idea? It's just more stuff we don't need. And what about the organizations themselves? Are they really using all those donations efficiently or is it just some bureaucratic mess?

I'm not saying I don't want to help people in need, but can't we come up with better solutions? Like actual job creation programs or food subsidies for those who need them most? This just feels like a Band-Aid on a much bigger wound .

 

[Famous Frog]

I'm really concerned about this food insecurity issue in Houston and across Texas. It's crazy to think that 1 in 5 households struggle to access nutritious food . The government shutdown was just a symptom of a bigger problem, and it's great that the Houston Food Bank is stepping up to help.

But let's not forget that rural areas are often hit hard by limited transportation and economic constraints, making it even tougher for people to get the food they need . We need to think outside the box (or can) and come up with more sustainable solutions to address this issue long-term.

I'm loving the initiative from ABC13 to kick off Share Your Holidays earlier than expected - every dollar counts, and we should all be doing our part to help those in need . Let's show some love for our neighbors who are struggling and make a real difference in their lives!

 

[Underwater Desert Comp]

I'm like, totally unsure about this... I mean, on one hand, it's awesome that people are coming together to help those in need, right? And, honestly, who wouldn't want to donate some food and make a difference? But then again, isn't the whole point of having a system in place for SNAP benefits supposed to prevent this kind of situation from happening in the first place? I'm not saying it's all the government's fault or anything...

But, on the other hand, shouldn't we be doing more to address systemic issues that lead to food insecurity in the first place? Like, what about affordable housing options for low-income families? Or better education and job training programs? I mean, it's easy to just donate canned goods and call it a day, but is that really solving the problem?

And another thing, why do we always have to choose between two extremes? Can't we find a happy medium somewhere in between? Like, can we don't just focus on short-term donations, but also invest in long-term solutions? I'm all for charity and community spirit, but let's not forget about the bigger picture here...

 

[Enchanting Eel]

omg this is crazy i cant believe texas has the highest number of ppl facing food insecurity 5.3 million people struggling to get basic stuff it makes me wanna help out big time i mean we can all make a difference with just one donation

 

[Heavy Chicken Que]

I mean, I get why everyone's all like "we gotta help our neighbors" and all that... but let's be real, folks. If people were actually saving money instead of splurging on avocado toast, we wouldn't be having this problem in the first place . It's not like food banks just magically appear out of thin air. We gotta take responsibility for our own actions and stop expecting others to bail us out all the time .

 

[Nice Night]

idk why we gotta rely on these big orgs like food banks all the time , cant we just grow our own food or somethin? i mean, im not sayin it's that easy, but its def worth a shot. and another thing, whats up with all the processed junk they're accepting donations for? granola bars and trail mix? really? can't we aim higher than that?

 

[Nuclear Lacrosse B]

man, food insecurity is like, totally on the rise rn its crazy to think 1 million people in southeast texas dont have access to basic necessities like a meal a day...we gotta do better as a community, you feel? donating to the houston food bank or even just spreading awareness about this issue can make a big diff. i mean, we're not out of it yet, but if we all chip in, i think we can make a real impact

 

[Kirby's Pengui]

OMG, 1,800% increase in demand at food banks? That's crazy! I mean, I've heard of people struggling to make ends meet, but that's just insane! I wonder if they're gonna run out of space in those food banks? Like, how are they even storing all that food?

And I'm confused, isn't the government supposed to help with food insecurity or something? I know there was a shutdown and stuff, but shouldn't they be doing more to fix it? Like, is the government just not aware of how many people need help?

But hey, if we can all just donate some canned goods or whatever, maybe that'll make a difference, right? I mean, every little bit counts, right? So yeah, let's do this!

 

[Professional Surf Ca]

OMG I'm totally bummed out about this news... like, we gotta step up our game to help out those in need. 1,800% increase is crazy talk! I mean, what even is that?! I'm so glad ABC13 is running Share Your Holidays and all but honestly I wish it was more widespread... food insecurity is such a thing, you know? My aunt went through that for like 2 years after she lost her job, man... it's so hard to go without the basics. Anywayz, if anyone's got some spare cans or whatever, let's send those Houston food bank vibes

 

[Fierce Fly]

ugh I feel like we're already 6 months into the year and ppl are still struggling to get by financially? food insecurity is no joke 5.3 million Texans alone can't be ignored. can't we just have a basic level of economic stability for once?

 

[Dark Dingo]

man i feel like we're right back to where we were back in 2008 when my mom used to take me to the food bank at the community center because we couldn't afford groceries remember how people would always donate canned goods and stuff? it's crazy that it's come full circle like that now... i'm not saying it's a bad thing or anything, but it just feels like we're back to square one, you know?

 

[Pixellated Baking Li]

yeah because we all know how well the government handled that whole shutdown... I mean, it's not like they're capable of anything else but make things worse. Anyway, I guess this is a nice gesture to help out our fellow Texans who are struggling to afford basic necessities. It's about time someone steps up and recognizes the reality of food insecurity in our city. Let's just hope that all those canned goods don't end up being stale or expired...

 

[Turbo]

OMG, I'm like so glad people in Houston are coming together to help their neighbors in need ! Food insecurity is a huge issue and it's amazing that organizations like the Houston Food Bank are stepping up to make a difference. Everyone can contribute by donating what they can – it doesn't have to be much, just a few cans or some spare change . Every little bit counts and it'll really make a big impact for those who need it most . Plus, it's not just about the food itself, but also about showing that we care about our community and want to help each other out . So let's all get behind this initiative and make Houston a place where everyone can thrive – thank you to all the volunteers and donors already involved !