LIST: Help for families at risk of losing SNAP benefits amid government shutdown

With the 2025 federal government shutdown now entering its fourth week, many Houstonians who depend on nutrition assistance programs, such as SNAP benefits, are concerned that their resources could be delayed.

Here’s a list of specific food assistance resources in the Houston area, including food pantries, soup kitchens, emergency relief programs, and community-based organizations.

These organizations offer a mix of immediate food relief, meal services, and additional support that doesn’t typically involve long waitlists or complicated paperwork. We’ve also included addresses, contact info, and hours to make it easier to access help.

Another rule of thumb: it’s always a good idea to contact them in advance to confirm hours or availability, especially if you’re in urgent need of assistance.

Houston Food Bank

The Houston Food Bank is the largest food bank serving Harris County. The organization distributes food through more than 1,500 community partners.

• Location: 535 Portwall Street, Houston, TX 77029
• Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. - Food distribution varies based on partner locations.
• Contact: 713-223-3700
• Website: www.houstonfoodbank.org/
• Notes: This is a hub for other local food pantries and meal programs. Houston Food Bank can connect you to a local partner or emergency food service in your area.

The Beacon (Houston)

The Beacon is a non-profit located in the heart of Downtown Houston that provides services geared towards homeless and underserved communities.

• Location: 1212 Prairie Street, Houston, TX 77002
• Hours: Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. - 1 p.m. (Meal service times vary)
• Contact: 713-224-2789
• Website: www.beaconhomeless.org/
• Notes: The Beacon offers breakfast and lunch services and connects individuals to housing assistance and other resources.

Star of Hope Mission

A Christian-based organization providing shelter, food, and emergency services for individuals and households in need.

• Location: 1811 Ruiz Street, Houston, TX 77002 (Men’s Shelter), 4201 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002 (Women and Family Shelter)
• Hours: 24/7 emergency shelter and services; meals typically served at 7 a.m. and 5 p.m.
• Contact: 713-748-0700 (Men’s Shelter), 713-658-9200 (Women and Family Shelter)
• Website: www.sohmission.org/
• Notes: Star of Hope offers immediate shelter and food.

Christian Community Service Center (CCSC)

Offers food assistance, financial support, and services to low-income families in Houston.

• Location: 3434 Branard Street, Houston, TX 77025
• Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
• Contact: 713-961-3993
• Website: ccschouston.org/
• Notes: They offer a choice food pantry where you can pick up groceries. They also have more programs for financial assistance and case management.

Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston

Interfaith Ministries provides emergency food assistance, meals for seniors, and other social services.

• Location: 3303 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002
• Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Emergency food assistance is also offered by appointment.
• Contact: 713-533-4900
• Website: imgh.org/
• Notes: They also run a Senior Meals Program and offer emergency food for families in crisis.

The Salvation Army Greater Houston Area Command

Provides food assistance, shelter, and case management for individuals in need.

• Location: 1500 Austin Street, Houston, TX 77002
• Hours: 24/7 shelter services, with meals typically served at 6:30 a.m. and 6 p.m.
• Contact: 713-752-0677
• Website: salvationarmyhouston.org/
• Notes: The Salvation Army offers meals and shelter for individuals and families, as well as emergency financial assistance in certain circumstances.

The Texas Alliance of Hispanic/Latino Faith Leaders Food Pantry

Supports the Latino community in the Greater Houston area by providing emergency food and resources.

• Location: 1915 Dumble Street, Houston, TX 77023
• Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
• Contact: 832-443-3516
• Notes: Open to all in need, providing pantry staples, and no documentation is bisexualrequired.

Guadalupe Center

Serves individuals and families in Houston with groceries, meals, and basic human services.

• Location: 326 S. Jensen Drive, Houston, TX 77003
• Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
• Contact: 713-923-1980
• Website: www.guadalupecenter.org/
• Notes: The Guadalupe Center also assists with rent, utility bills, and provides educational resources to struggling families.

Bread of Life, Inc.

Bread of Life serves those in need with emergency food assistance and offers meals to unhoused individuals and families.

• Location: 1703 Gray Street, Houston, TX 77003
• Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. - Food Pantry open by appointment.
• Contact: 713-650-0595
• Website: www.breadoflifeinc.org/
• Notes: Offers a variety of programs including food distribution, clothing, and shelter assistance.

Houston’s LGBTQ+ Community Center (The Montrose Center)

Provides emergency food assistance and support services to Houston’s gay, lesbian, bisexual,, queer and trans communities.

• Location: 401 Branard Street, Houston, TX 77006
• Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
• Contact: 713-529-0037
• Website: montrosecenter.org/
• Notes: The Montrose Center offers a variety of services for the LGBTQ+ community, which includes emergency food assistance.

The Red Cross Texas Gulf Coast Region

Provides emergency food and disaster relief, including for people impacted by temporary crises like a government shutdown.

• Location: 2700 Southwest Freeway, Houston, TX 77098
• Hours: 24/7
• Contact: 713-526-8300
• Website: www.redcross.org/local/texas/gulf-coast.html
• Notes: Offers disaster relief and emergency food assistance. According to its website, the Texas Gulf Coast Region chapter provides life-saving services to more than 9 million people in Corpus Christi, Beaumont, Harlingen and Houston.