Nearly 40% of Harris County households struggle to put food on the table — a rate far higher than the national average of 14%. This summer, Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones is taking direct action to help bridge that gap for families across the region. Precinct 4 is expanding access to free, fresh food through a series of programs designed to serve families — especially children — who depend on free or reduced-price meals during the school year but face a nutrition gap when summer break begins.
Six programs, multiple locations
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Precinct 4’s summer food assistance initiative includes six distinct programs operating at community centers throughout the area:
Community Food Distribution with Common Market offers free, farm-fresh produce boxes at Bayland, Burnett Bayland, Freed, Hockley, Radack and Tracy Gee Community Centers. Residents can register to reserve a box, with supplies available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Kids Cafe with Houston Food Bank provides free meals and snacks to children 18 and younger all summer long at Bayland, Burnett Bayland, Freed, Hockley, Radack, Tracy Gee and Weekley Community Centers. There is no cost to families.
Pop-Up Grocery Store with Second Servings of Houston gives community members the chance to shop free surplus grocery store food — including fresh salads, fruits, vegetables, meals, sandwiches, meat, dairy and baked goods — at Burnett Bayland Community Center.
Community Fridge with Feed the Fridge at Freed Community Center allows visitors to pick up free donated meals from local restaurants on a first-come, first-served basis. Center staff are available to assist.
La Tiendita Gulfton with Tejano Center, located at the Bayland Community Center complex, connects community members with food assistance, nutrition education and additional resources. Registration is by appointment only. Families can call 346-260-3059 to schedule.
Produce Distribution with Brighter Bites delivers free, seasonal produce to families during the summer months at Burnett Bayland and Tracy Gee Community Centers.