Your Voice Matters

The Government Relations department communicates the research and expertise of Houston Food Bank’s staff, partners, and those we serve with government officials to highlight and help address the systemic issues driving hunger and poverty. We communicate and educate the larger community to ask for action and support of policies that address poverty, a main factor in food insecurity.

We look for opportunities by building relationships with government and elected officials to highlight and address the main drivers of food insecurity – lack of economic mobility, housing insecurity, and lack of access to health care.

We amplify the research, expertise, and experiences of our staff, partners, and neighbors and mobility communities to advocate for policies that are important to them.

Our team identifies and pursues government funding opportunities to support the services and programs needed to help our communities.

As an emergency response organization, our team collaborates with emergency management offices and elected officials to understand and help the Houston Food Bank respond to the needs of the communities affected.

Our team uplifts neighbors to actively participate in our democracy by engaging in civic activities. We collaborate with Food Bank partners and coalitions to implement voter engagement initiatives, ensuring that our community’s voices are heard.

KATHERINE

The vision of A World That Doesn’t Need Food Banks drew me to working at the Houston Food Bank. Leading the Government Relations Department provides an opportunity to work on laws and regulations that keep families from succeeding. I love working alongside the communities the Houston Food Bank serves to help them step into their power and making sure elected officials have the right information to make good decisions about the people they serve.

AMANDA

We know food insecurity isn’t just about empty plates — it’s about economic instability and systemic inequalities. Our policies have the power to either perpetuate barriers or foster solutions. In my work, I strive to guide our advocacy, partnerships, and initiatives to strengthen food security across the regions we serve, a process centered around the experiences and wisdom of our neighbors and partners. By collaborating with and learning from the people we serve, we aim to address the root causes and upstream effects of food insecurity to make a transformative difference in the lives of millions.

QUYNH

The adage “No Money, No Mission” has been used to describe the reality of nonprofit work. Without steady funding and donations, Houston Food Bank wouldn’t be able to do the incredible work we do to address hunger in our community. As HFB’s Government Grant Writer, I’m dedicated to finding and securing government funding at the local, state, and federal level to implement the programs and services HFB offers to support our neighbors.

CAROLINA

My passion for policy and advocacy stems from wanting to serve and uplift communities, and Houston Food Bank has provided me the opportunity to do both. We cannot end hunger, without addressing the root causes (financial instability, housing insecurity, etc.). Therefore, by collectively advocating for impactful policy changes, we can pave the way for ‘a world that doesn’t need food banks’. My commitment to this work will always be to work with and learn from internal teams, distribution partners, external stakeholders, and, crucially, our neighbors. Together, we will create a landscape where everyone is afforded the opportunity to thrive.

AUNJEL

Civic engagement is the lifeblood of a healthy community. The Houston Food Bank believes that everyone deserves access to nutritious food and works tirelessly to ensure that our neighbors have the resources they need to thrive. By engaging with our elected officials and neighbors, we can amplify our impact and create a more equitable food system for all. I’m passionate about empowering individuals to become advocates for change, and I invite you to join us in the fight against hunger.