Thanksgiving Food Drives at Harris County Precinct 4 Community Centers Provide Relief and Hope for Over 200 Families
As the holiday season brings families together across Houston, many continue to struggle with meeting their basic food needs — an issue that has only grown more urgent following recent reductions in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. In response, Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones joined forces with Families Helping Families Houston (FHFH), Precinct4Forward, Stellar Bank, and Houston Texans player Tim Settle Jr. to provide relief and joy to more than 200 families just before Thanksgiving.
Two food distribution events were held on November 22, 2025, at the Weekley and Radack Community Centers. Pre-selected families received a week’s worth of groceries, including all the fixings for a full Thanksgiving dinner. These efforts reflect Commissioner Briones’ deep commitment to tackling food insecurity, not just during the holidays but year-round.
“Commissioner Lesley Briones is committed to fighting food insecurity throughout the year, beyond just the holiday season,” said Shawn Peoples, Manager of Community Programs with Harris County Precinct 4.
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The scale of the need in Houston is sobering. A 2024 report from Rice University's Kinder Institute revealed that nearly 40% of households in Houston and Harris County experience food insecurity—well above the national average of 14%. The challenges have been exacerbated by federal cuts to SNAP benefits, leaving many families scrambling to stretch their food budgets.
Quincy Collins, President of Families Helping Families Houston, emphasized the importance of community collaboration: “It means so much to us that they would be willing to let us come into the community and let us be a part of what they are already doing.”
FHFH, founded in 2013, has provided groceries to over 6,800 families throughout the Houston area. Inspired by Collins’ childhood memories of delivering meals with his grandparents to the homeless in downtown Houston, the organization continues to carry that spirit forward, especially during Thanksgiving.
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Volunteers and organizers from Harris County Precinct 4, Families Helping Families Houston, and local partners gather outside the Weekley Community Center on November 22, 2025, after distributing Thanksgiving meals and groceries to area families. (Source: Harris County Precinct 4)
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NFL defensive tackle Tim Settle Jr. also brought his support to the event. A Philadelphia native and member of the Houston Texans since 2023, Settle uses his platform not only to anchor the team’s interior defensive line but also to serve the Houston community. His involvement added another layer of impact and visibility to the food drive’s success.
While these Thanksgiving events provided welcome relief, resources for food assistance remain a vital part of the county’s long-term strategy. Harris County Precinct 4 offers ongoing support through several community food programs, including:
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Common Market – Provides farm-fresh produce to Harris County residents. Pre-registration required.
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La Tiendita Gulfton – Offers food assistance, social services, and resource navigation in the Gulfton/Sharpstown area. Registration by appointment, Monday through Friday.
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Second Servings – Distributes rescued food from local businesses. Available on the first Friday of each month from noon to 2 p.m.
Residents can learn more or register for these programs by visiting cp4.harriscountytx.gov/food-assistance.
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As families navigate the challenges of food insecurity in the wake of SNAP reductions, events like these Thanksgiving food drives serve as a reminder of the power of community and the importance of year-round support. Through strong partnerships and compassionate leadership, local organizations and elected officials continue working to ensure no one in Harris County goes hungry—during the holidays or beyond.
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.
