Food For Change

Health-related initiatives are intended to improve quality of life for participants through programs that help them manage health care needs.

• Houston Food Bank is taking a leadership role in raising awareness among health sector professionals about the importance of screening patients for food insecurity as a key factor in wellness.
• We are creating a system for linking those patients who are identified as food insecure to food pantries and SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) application assistance. Learn more about FIRST Link.
• Through Food Rx, participants in health programming receive “prescriptions” for produce and other healthy foods to redeem at designated food pantries.

Economic initiatives are intended to “shorten the line” at hunger relief charities by helping clients achieve family financial stability. The Houston Food Bank  participates through Food Scholarships. Food Scholarship recipients supplement their household budgets through regular visits to designated food pantries for supplies of nutritious produce, protein and nonperishables. Partnership examples include:

• Education: In community colleges and universities, the goal is to help food insecure students complete and earn certifications and/or degrees so they can find living wage jobs.
• Financial Literacy: Families learn how to budget and plan for the future so they can develop a savings account, improve credit and reduce debt.
• Housing: Families living in affordable housing settings participate in reading programs so children can succeed in school and complete an education that leads to employment.
• Workforce Development: In partnership with employers, working adults enroll in a program to learn the skills needed to find higher-paying jobs.