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.

Texans defensive end named ambassador

Texans Pro Bowl defensive end gives back at Houston Food Bank

A local nonprofit is stepping in to help families in an underserved community with groceries, voter registration, and tenant rights.

An organization is stepping up to help more than 100 Asian and immigrant families in the Houston area who are limited English speaking.

Thursday's report from the Labor Department said that initial claims for jobless aid dropped from 787,000 the week before. Before the virus paralyzed the economy in March, the number of people applying for unemployment benefits each week had typically amounted to roughly 225,000. "Thanksgiving seasonals likely explain the drop'' in jobless claims last week, Ian Shepherdson, chief economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics, wrote in a research note. The total number of people who are continuing to receive traditional state unemployment benefits declined to 5.5 million from 6.1 million. But it also indicates that many of the unemployed have used up their state benefits, which typically expire after six months.

HOUSTON – The demand for volunteers and donations at food pantries throughout Greater Houston has “increased exponentially" ahead of the holidays, the Houston Food Bank said. During the pandemic, many food pantries have reported that demand has doubled or even tripled. The Houston Food Bank said the organization, which partners with 1,500 providers throughout the 18-county region, is most in need of volunteers and cash donations. “So many families are hungry, not eating, need food,” said Marilyn Price, who volunteers with the Houston Food Bank several times per week. The food bank began twice a week mass distributions in March, which have continued until now.

Wendell Champion is a West Point graduate who says his leadership is what’s needed now in the 18th Congressional District after 25 years of representation by Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee. She says her time as a drug court judge opened her eyes. “I mean I literally saw miracles happen in that courtroom every day.”Anderson says 70% of drug court graduates have never been re-arrested. Brighter Bites fight against food insecurityLisa Helfman is a co-founder of Brighter Bites, founded in Houston to help provide healthy food to students. More informationWendell Champion, (R) Candidate, 18th Congressional DistrictLisa Helfman, Founder, Board Chair, Brighter BitesDevon Anderson, President & CEO Justice Forward

KPRC 2 is joining Houston Astros third baseman Alex Bregman and his Alex’s Army effort to raise $2 million to help feed Houston-area residents experiencing food insecurity during the COVID-19 crisis. Proceeds raised through Bregman's FEEDHOU campaign will directly benefit the Houston Food Bank, a non-profit committed to feeding the hungry in the Houston area. Here at KPRC 2, we’ve been working with our audience to Help Feed Houston, raising more than $50,000. If you are healthy and want to make an impact, the Houston Food Bank needs you! WATCH: Alex Bregman and fiancee Reagan Howard talk about their partnership with the Houston Food Bank on KPRC’s Houston Life.

CYPRESS – From across the Houston area, people showed up in droves to the Houston Premium Outlets in Cypress. Thousands in need received food donations at the Houston Super Neighborhood Distribution site, organized by the Houston Food Bank and Cy-Hope, a local nonprofit organization. Once a vehicle made it to the distribution site, the driver lined up, and the staff provided 25 pounds of produce, 35 pounds of protein, and other items such as beef stew and bread. "Fifty percent of children that attend Cypress ISD get free and reduced lunch," said Nicole Lander of the Houston Food Bank. The Cypress food distribution site is open every Wednesday from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Organizers said the drive continues as long as there is demand, and the property owner, Simon Properties, allows them to use the space.