The city of Houston launched a new initiative to battle food deserts in the area — 100 Pantries in 100 Days.
The hope is to combat food insecurity in Houston and allow local nonprofits to partner with the city to provide better food quality for those in need.
The Houston Food Bank and other local nonprofits will provide fresh produce, meat, dairy, and non-perishable foods to those in need. Whirlpool will donate refrigerators to help with the upkeep of donations.
Edward Pollard, District J council member and chair of the Food Insecurity Board, says that more than 738,000 Houstonians have no access to healthy food. Nearly one third of the city’s population is facing food insecurity, including 360,000 children. Houston’s food insecurity rate is 4% higher than the national average.
“Over the past year and a half, I have all been involved in numerous food distribution drives. I am continuously in awe of how many people wait for hours for basic food items,” Pollard said. “This drove me to find solutions to the food needs of our city and issues related to the root cause.”
Any nonprofit looking to help in this endeavor can apply online through the city’s food insecurity board page. The city of Houston is now accepting applications.
