HOUSTON, TX – Hurricane season is officially here, and Houston Food Bank is calling on the community to help pack emergency supplies before the next storm strikes.
The organization is recruiting volunteers of all ages to sort, process and box food and other necessities into Disaster Boxes that can be deployed immediately when disaster hits. Individuals, families, church groups, company teams and networking groups are all welcome to sign up.
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What goes inside a Disaster Box
Each Disaster Box is packed with nonperishable, ready-to-eat items designed to sustain families in the immediate aftermath of a storm. Contents include three canned vegetables, two canned fruits, three protein items — such as tuna, canned chicken, beef stew, chili or peanut butter — two snack items like granola bars or breakfast bars and two waters.
Boxes also include critical cleaning supplies such as mop buckets, mops, brooms, Clorox wipes, bleach, garbage bags and bug spray — essentials for families returning home after flooding or storm damage.
Volunteers are also encouraged to bring nonperishable food donations when they come in for their shift. Pull-top cans are especially needed for the convenience of recipients.
When, where and how to sign up
Volunteer shifts are available at Houston Food Bank’s main warehouse facility at 535 Portwall St. in Houston. Shifts run seven days a week, with three options to fit nearly any schedule:
Morning: Monday through Sunday, 8 a.m. to noon
Afternoon: Monday through Saturday, 1 to 4 p.m.
Evening: Tuesday through Friday, 6 to 9 p.m.
Registration is quick and easy online at HoustonFoodBank.org/volunteer.
Additional volunteer locations available
Volunteers can also sign up at two additional Houston Food Bank facilities. The Trinity River Community Resource Center, located at 1768 County Road 3558 in Cleveland, Texas, offers shifts Tuesday through Saturday. The North Branch location at 146 Knobcrest welcomes individuals and small groups of up to 10 people.
About Houston Food Bank
Houston Food Bank has served Houston and southeast Texas since 1982. The organization provides access to 143 million nutritious meals across 18 counties through a network of 1,600 community partners, including food pantries, soup kitchens, social service providers and schools. Houston Food Bank holds a four-star rating from Charity Navigator for the 14th consecutive year and is a certified member of Feeding America, the nation’s food bank network.