Hunger Action Month 2025: How Houstonians Can Support the Houston Food Bank This September
Every day in Southeast Texas, more than one million people struggle with food insecurity—a challenge that stretches from urban neighborhoods to rural communities, often hidden in plain sight. For those households, putting enough nutritious food on the table is a daily uncertainty.
The Houston Food Bank, the largest food bank in the United States, works year-round to fill that gap through a network of over 1,600 community partners. But this mission is far from a one-organization effort. And this September, during Hunger Action Month, the food bank is inviting Houstonians to take part in building a future where no one has to rely on food banks at all.
A Call to Action: What Does Home Mean to You?
Designated each September by hunger relief organizations across the country, Hunger Action Month shines a light on food insecurity while empowering individuals to make a difference. This year, the Houston Food Bank’s theme is: “What Does Home Mean to You?”—focusing on how safe and affordable housing plays a critical role in food access and long-term stability.
“There is a quote that I particularly like that is powerful in its simplicity: ‘Nobody can do everything, but everyone can do something,’” said Brian Greene, president and CEO of the Houston Food Bank. “It speaks to the importance of what all individuals can do with their time, talent and resources.”
Since 1982, the Houston Food Bank has provided access to more than 150 million nutritious meals annually through a network of food pantries, soup kitchens, schools, and social service agencies. Serving 18 counties, the organization also works to address the root causes of hunger through education, advocacy, health management, and access to state-funded assistance. It is a certified member of Feeding America and holds a four-star rating from Charity Navigator for 13 consecutive years.
“We can all play a role in helping reduce food insecurity—advocate, educate, volunteer or donate—all year round and especially during Hunger Action Month,” Greene continued. “When we band together as a community, each doing our part to put in a piece of the puzzle, big changes can happen as we work towards a world that no longer needs food banks.”
Mobile Sidebar Ad
How You Can Get Involved This September
Turn Friendly Competition into Community Impact
Through September 26, Operation: Hunger Relief invites community members, companies, and school groups to join a friendly challenge to raise the most meals for families in need. Teams earn points by volunteering, donating food, and fundraising. Prizes will go to the top-performing teams in both total meals and meals-per-member categories.
Key dates include:
- September 1 – Kickoff Bonus Day
- September 12, 17, 25 – Bonus Volunteer Shifts
- September 26 – Final Day to Earn Points
- September 30 – Last Day to Submit Donations
Visit HoustonFoodBank.org to register.
Could You Eat on $4.50 a Day? Step Into Someone Else’s Shoes
Houston Food Bank’s Community Assistance Program team is taking on the SNAP Challenge—living on just $4.50 a day for food, the average daily allotment for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipients. They’ll be documenting their experience all month to raise awareness and build empathy for families navigating food insecurity every day.
Speak Up for Food Security: Advocate for Change
Visit the Houston Food Bank’s Action Center to send messages to elected officials about policies impacting hunger, housing, healthcare, and wages. On-site, visitors can explore the Advocacy Corner to see how housing costs affect household budgets and access to basic needs.
Shine a Light on Hunger: Join Us on Hunger Action Day
On September 10, the Food Bank will host a lobby photo exhibit by Advocacy Council members exploring the role of housing in food stability and the eviction crisis in Greater Houston. The exhibit is open to the public and free to attend.
Celebrate Hope and Policy Solutions on National Food Bank Day
Mark September 5 with a forward-looking event, Rooted in Change: A Policy Roadmap to End Food Insecurity, bringing together leaders from the public, private, and nonprofit sectors for collaboration and learning.
Empower Your Voice: Register to Vote and Make an Impact
Voter registration will be available at the Portwall facility on September 16, helping neighbors exercise their civic power as part of the hunger-fighting mission.
Double Your Kindness: Matched Donations All Month Long
From September 1–30, your gift goes twice as far thanks to Friends of the Food Bank, who will match up to $50,000 in donations. Every dollar helps feed a person for an entire day. Donate today at houstonfoodbank.org/match.
Post with Purpose: Use Your Digital Voice for Hunger Relief
You can be an advocate with the tap of a screen. Share hunger facts, stories, and words of encouragement on social media using #changeforbetterlives to bring attention to the cause all month long.
Mobile Sidebar Ad
Volunteers Stepping Up Across Houston
During the month of September, hundreds of individuals and dozens of organizations are scheduled to volunteer at the Houston Food Bank, helping clean, sort, bag, and box food for distribution across its 18-county service area. Corporate and community partners such as Chevron, Houston Methodist, Citgo, TotalEnergies, PositiveNRG, OXY, the Houston Astros, United Airlines, and Texas Children’s Hospital will join families, schools, alumni groups, and faith-based organizations in giving their time to fight hunger and support neighbors in need.
Be the Reason Someone Has a Meal Tonight
Food insecurity isn’t always visible. It might be a classmate, a coworker, or a neighbor struggling silently to put dinner on the table. But this September, you can be the reason someone gets the support they need.
Join the Houston Food Bank during Hunger Action Month 2025 to volunteer, speak up, or give what you can. Whether it’s one hour, one tweet, or one dollar, every action matters—and together, we can move closer to a future where no one in our community goes hungry.
To get involved, visit HoustonFoodBank.org or call 713-223-3700.
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.
