The Houston Food Bank, a vital lifeline for thousands of families across Southeast Texas, is facing significant food shortages following the end of two major federal programs that once supported its food purchasing efforts.

Food banks say income stagnation and rising living costs are increasing demand at their organizations across the country — all as the federal government shuts off funding streams that provide millions with healthier, harder-to-get groceries.

In the wake of Hurricane Beryl, fresh food and cool air are coming from Houston community groups that have honed their disaster services in a city frequently battered by extreme weather.

Houston-area food pantry operators have reported spikes in demand stemming from inflation and the ending of certain pandemic-related benefits. The president of the Houston Food Bank told KPRC 2 at least 1 million people in the region are experiencing food insecurity.

A North Carolina man who drove his car into a group of migrant workers in a Walmart parking lot has turned himself in to police.

A Houston-Philadelphia competition coinciding with the World Series is getting a lot of attention and it’s all for a good cause. Both major U.S. cities are impacted by food insecurity.

With the holidays right around the corner, the Houston Food Bank said it's feeling the impact of rising food prices.

Watch documentaries whenever you want, wherever you want with this lifetime subscription

HOUSTON – President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden had a busy day in Houston Friday afternoon. About an hour later, President Biden arrived, met Brian Greene with the CEO and President of the Houston Food Bank, and took a tour of the facility. “We’re not gonna see him again probably.”Earlier in the day, President Biden received an update on the recovery at the Harris County Office of Emergency Management. President Biden also used the visit to address the COVID-19 pandemic. President Biden and the first lady returned back to Washington, D.C. on Friday night.

The demand for resources is high and that is why KPRC 2 and our parent company Graham Media Group have donated $25,000 to help people across our community. Houston Food BankKPRC 2 General Manager Jerry Martin presented Houston Food Bank President and CEO Brian Greene with $12,500 from the television station and Graham Media Group to help feed families. AdYou can find a Houston Food Bank partner near you through the organization’s website or by calling its helpline at 832-369-9390. Houston Harris County Winter Storm Relief FundThe Houston Harris County Winter Storm Relief Fund, established by the City of Houston and Harris County, also received $12,500 from KPRC 2 and Graham Media Group. If you would like to contribute to the Winter Storm Relief Fund, you can do that HERE or by texting HOUSTONFREEZE to 51555.

Pallets of various foods are stacked on shelves in the extensive warehouse at the Houston Food Bank Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2020, in Houston. It's the largest U.S. food bank and national food bank leaders say they don't see an end in sight to the demand. On some days, the hundreds of sites supplied by the country’s largest food bank collectively get 1 million pounds. Before the coronavirus struck, the group's average daily distribution was 450,000 pounds (184,000 kilograms), said Houston Food Bank President Brian Greene. Fitzgerald said the nation's food banks have enough food to meet U.S. demand for now, but said distributors “are concerned about the future” as winter approaches.

Food deserts are areas where stores with healthy food options dont even exist. Food deserts in the Houston-area according to a map from the United States Department of Agriculture. The two often go hand in hand because it is food insecurity that will generally drive a food desert, said Brian Greene, President of the Houston Food Bank. We immediately saw both hunger and poor nutrition issues go up very quickly, said Brian Greene, president of the Houston Food Bank. Their mission is to combat food deserts and food insecurity.

HOUSTON – Kinder Foundation is donating $1 million to Houston Food Bank to assist in feeding those impacted by COVID-19. “This gift by Kinder Foundation is vital to our COVID response.”This donation is the latest gift to Houston Food Bank from Kinder Foundation, whose support goes back to 2008. “Being able to feed yourself and your family is fundamental to the quality of your life,” Nancy Kinder, president and chief executive officer of Kinder Foundation, said. “We are fortunate to have the Houston Food Bank to provide hunger relief year-round. The Kinder Foundation is deeply proud to support the Houston Food Bank during this turbulent time.”

HOUSTON – While much of the city of Houston is shut down, the Houston Food Bank will continue to operate with even greater demand, according to CEO Brian Greene. “Tuesday it was about 850,000 pounds.”The Houston Food Bank will be open through the stay home order in Houston and is taking donations. According to Sanchez, the company has started to produce grocery store bread, sliced bread and hamburger buns within the last week since restaurant demand has changed. With bread leftover, Slow Dough worked fast to make sure the Houston Food Bank got a donation. As for the Food Bank, CEO Brian Greene's main message to Houstonians is not to panic buy.

HOUSTON – The Houston Food Bank is receiving a big donation from a Houston Rodeo vendor after the rodeo was canceled Wednesday. RCS Carnival Group announced Friday plans to donate items, including unused bread, produce, dairy and some meats. This donation will feed thousands of families through the Houston Food Bank that was intended to be sold at the rodeo carnival, said Dominic Palmieri, the owner of RCS Carnival Group. Houston Food Bank will remain operational while utilizing the best available safety precautions, according to Greene. Want to help Houston Rodeo vendors?