Harris County Precinct 4 Steps Up as SNAP Benefits Stall Amid Federal Government Shutdown
As the federal government shutdown drags on, vital services like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) have been disrupted—leaving many families across the nation struggling to put food on the table. In Harris County, where nearly 40% of households already experience food insecurity—almost triple the national average—community leaders are stepping up to fill the void.
On Monday, November 3, Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones, joined by District Attorney Sean Teare and Reverend Doctor Mark Brown of West Houston Assistance Ministries, gathered at the Houston Food Bank Supersite on Meadowglen Lane to spotlight local food distribution efforts and call for community support.
The visit comes as part of a larger county-wide initiative led by Commissioner Briones in partnership with the Houston Food Bank and several local nonprofits. Their goal: to bridge the gap for Harris County residents facing hunger due to interruptions in SNAP benefits caused by the federal government shutdown.
A Local Response to a National Crisis
The ongoing shutdown in Washington, D.C.—now entering another week—has stalled essential government functions, including the funding of SNAP. The ripple effects have been swift and far-reaching, particularly in urban counties like Harris where food insecurity was already a pressing issue.
"As a mom, it’s heartbreaking to see families go hungry while SNAP benefits are being cut during the federal shutdown. No one should worry about their next meal. We’re stepping up locally with food distributions and a precinct-wide food drive," said Commissioner Briones.
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Her office has mobilized Precinct 4 resources to coordinate food distributions at multiple locations throughout the month of November, ensuring that residents facing SNAP or paycheck interruptions still have access to fresh food.
Where and When to Get Help
The food distribution schedule coordinated by Harris County Precinct 4 includes partnerships with local organizations such as West Houston Assistance Ministries and the Houston Food Bank. Upcoming dates and locations include:
West Houston Assistance Ministries (10501 Meadowglen Ln.)
- November 10, 17, and 24 from 8 a.m. – noon
Bear Creek Pioneers Park (3230 Hwy. 6 N.)
- November 5 and 12 from 3–7 p.m.
Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center (4400 West 18th St.)
- November 8 and 15 from 8 a.m. – noon
Residents can register online for food assistance here or call 832-927-4444 for help.
More Than a Meal: Programs That Support Year-Round
In addition to one-time food distributions, Precinct 4 is also highlighting year-round partnerships with programs such as:
- Common Market, which offers farm-fresh produce to Harris County families.
- Second Servings, which rescues surplus food from hotels, restaurants, and grocers.
- La Tiendita Gulfton, which provides food assistance, social services, and counseling in the Gulfton and Sharpstown areas.
Each of these programs represents a longer-term commitment to addressing hunger and poverty in Harris County—challenges only exacerbated by the current political impasse in Washington. Details are available here.
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How the Community Can Help
The public is also encouraged to participate in the solution. A county-wide food drive is underway through November 30. Non-perishable food donations can be dropped off at any of Precinct 4’s 10 community centers and two nature centers. Find a community center near you here.
United in Service
As uncertainty continues at the federal level, local leaders like Commissioner Briones are proving that community resilience begins at home. Through strategic partnerships and a deep commitment to public service, Harris County is working to ensure that no family goes hungry—shutdown or not.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
