Houston Food Bank highlights food insecurity and community engagement efforts

The Houston Resilience Committee meeting on April 3, 2025, featured a significant presentation from the Houston Food Bank, highlighting the pressing issue of food insecurity in the region. Dr. Katherine Byers, the Food Bank's government relations officer, and Richard Folcard, the farm program director, discussed the organization's mission and the challenges faced by many residents in accessing nutritious food.

Dr. Byers emphasized the Food Bank's vision of a world without the need for food banks, focusing on public policy and systemic change. The organization aims to empower community members through civic engagement, helping them address local challenges and opportunities. The Food Bank operates extensive programs, including food prescriptions and scholarships, designed to assist individuals in achieving personal goals such as employment and education.

The presentation underscored the alarming rise in food insecurity, with the USDA reporting a national rate of 14%. In Houston and Harris County, the rate is even higher, particularly among children, who face greater barriers to accessing nutritious food. Dr. Byers noted that many individuals experiencing food insecurity do not qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and those who do receive limited benefits, averaging about $6 per person per day.

Additionally, the meeting highlighted the existence of food deserts in the area, where over 500,000 residents live more than a mile away from a retailer offering nutritious food. The Food Bank is actively working to address these issues through partnerships with local farmers, supported by USDA grants aimed at enhancing local food access.

The discussions at the meeting reflect a growing recognition of the need for collaborative efforts to combat food insecurity in Houston, as the Food Bank continues to expand its reach and impact within the community.