Food Banks and Pantries in Houston, TX

How to Get Free Food in Houston

The Houston Food Bank is the largest Feeding America member food bank in the country by distribution, serving 18 counties across southeast Texas through roughly 1200 partner agencies. Anyone in need can get free food at a partner site with no income requirement at most locations. Call 211 or use the food bank website find-food map to locate the nearest pantry or mobile distribution.

Regional Food Bank: Houston Food Bank

The primary Feeding America member food bank serving the Houston, TX area. It distributes food to an estimated 1200 partner pantries, soup kitchens, and meal programs across 18 counties across southeast Texas, including the greater Houston metro.

Notable Pantries and Meal Sites in Houston

This is a sample of well-known sites. For a full, current list of all pantries near you, use 211 or the food bank website above.

Soup Kitchens and Community Meals

The Houston Food Bank partners with a large network of soup kitchens and meal programs across the metro, including the Bread of Life Mission downtown and the Salvation Army in central Houston. Many churches and community centers run free community meal nights. Most meal sites welcome anyone in need with no questions asked and many also hand out groceries.

Mobile Pantry Program

The Houston Food Bank operates one of the largest Mobile Pantry Programs in the country, bringing fresh produce, dairy, and shelf-stable goods to neighborhoods, schools, and rural towns across the 18-county service area on a rotating schedule. Stops focus on food deserts and areas far from a fixed pantry. Schedules are posted on the food bank website and updated monthly.

SNAP / Food Stamp Outreach

The Houston Food Bank offers free SNAP application assistance at its main facility, partner sites, and community events across the region. Staff help residents complete applications, gather documents, and prepare for interviews, and they offer pre-screening so applicants know their likely benefit amount. Help is available in English and Spanish.

How to Find a Pantry Near You in Houston

Call 211 in Texas, visit houstonfoodbank.org and use the Find Food map, or call the food bank at 713-223-3700. The Feeding America locator at feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank also covers Houston. Most pantries require no appointment, but hours change, so call ahead.

More Food & Benefits Guides

• SNAP / Food Stamps guide (general)
• WIC (Women, Infants & Children)
• EBT card guide -- how it works
• Free meals & community kitchens
• P-EBT & Summer EBT (SUN Bucks)

Frequently Asked Questions