HOUSTON – Before dawn Saturday, vehicles began lining up at NRG Stadium as the Houston Food Bank prepared to open a large-scale “super site” to distribute food to families concerned about the future of federal assistance.
The site, inspired by drive-thru events implemented during the Covid-19 pandemic, was created to serve about 5,000 people. families, providing them with produce, frozen chicken and other household staples.
Angelina Alonzo said she arrived at 5 a.m. hoping to be one of the first in line. He typically receives $400 a month in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, benefits, which he uses to feed his children and grandchildren, he said, but his funds for November have not arrived, leaving him no choice but to visit the stadium on Saturday.
“It means paying more money out of pocket,” he said from the driver’s side window of his car as he waited. “If you don’t have it, you have to find somewhere to get money to support the children.”
Also in line was Armando Hinojosa, who said that even when SNAP benefits are available, extending them through the end of the month is a challenge.
“At the end of the second week of the month, you’re counting pennies and trying to make ends meet,” Hinojosa said.
The urgent demand for food assistance comes as some 42 million Americans prepare for failures in SNAP. Earlier this week, the Department of Agriculture warned that funds could run out if the government shutdown continues. While a Rhode Island judge ordered the administration to continue funding SNAP nationwide and President Donald Trump said he ordered lawyers to review the issue, many households are bracing for delays as November payments begin.
Texas has the most food insecure population in the U.S., with about 5.3 million struggling to afford consistent meals, according to the nonprofit Feeding Texas. About 3.5 million of them, including 1.7 million children, depend on SNAP benefits to survive, lawmakers say.
In Harris County, home to much of Houston, more than 300,000 people rely on SNAP and nearly 650,000 are eligible, according to Texas Health and Human Services.
On Saturday morning in Houston, cars kept their trunks open as volunteers dropped off much-needed food.
Brian Greene, CEO of the Houston Food Bank, said the scene that unfolded Saturday echoed what his team saw at the height of the pandemic, but this time, the cause is “man-made.”
“The last time you saw scenes like this was during Covid, where food banks across the country had to step up their efforts and these supersite-style distributions were actually quite common.” Greene said. “But that’s what nature hit us with. Society is making a horrible mistake.”
Greene said the food bank can help fill the gap temporarily, but cautioned that even large-scale efforts like this cannot meet the need if SNAP payments are suspended.
“It won’t be enough, but at least it will help them a little bit as they try to get through these times,” he said.
Amanda Grosdidier, executive director of the Houston Texans Foundation, said the need “is greater than we could have ever imagined.” The Houston Texans Foundation partnered with the Houston Food Bank for Saturday’s food distribution.
“When we heard the numbers, we were completely shocked to see how many people really need help and how many families who have never had to ask for help are having to ask for help right now,” Grosdidier told NBC News. “It’s pretty sad to see.”
Hinojosa and his wife, Kathy, said if SNAP benefits don’t resume, they will have to adjust their budget.
“We just have to recalibrate and see what kind of help is out there that we can take advantage of,” Hinojosa said.
