Helping Pregnant Moms & Families Facing Food Insecurity in Houston (Food Banks)

If you’re a mom, expectant parent, doula, or family in Houston facing food access challenges, you’re not alone. Below are trusted organizations and programs offering immediate help. Bookmark this list for your network — or share it with someone who needs it.

📍 Resources for Food Banks & Assistance in Houston

1. Houston Food Bank – supports 18 counties of southeast Texas via 1,600+ community partners. Use their locator map for nearby pantry/distribution sites. Find Food & Services Houston Food Bank+1Agency/Partner Locator Houston Food Bank+1

   Tip: If you enter your ZIP code, you’ll see partner sites; for example the East Branch is at 535 Portwall St., Houston TX 77029

   Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston‑Houston – their food-distribution pantries serve families weekly. For instance:Guadalupe Center Market, 326 S Jensen Dr., Houston TX 77003 (call 713-251-6919). Catholic Charities

2. MESA‑OUTREACH, Inc. Food Pantry – Located at the north side of the Bear Creek United Methodist Church parking lot, 16000 Rippling Water Dr., Houston TX 77084. Offers emergency food assistance (adults, families, seniors) via a partnership with Houston Food Bank. mesa-outreach.org

3. East Spring Branch Food Pantry – Based at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 7901 Westview Dr. (at Wirt Road, Houston TX). Open Tue-Thu & Saturday for food pantry support. eastspringbranchfoodpantry.com

4. Houston Community Fridges – Free access “take what you need/give what you can” fridges located in neighborhoods. Two highlighted locations: 3801 N MacGregor Way, Houston TX 77004 (Third Ward) and 12131 Beechnut St., Houston TX 77072 (Alief). Discover Real Food in Texas+1

5. The Wow Project Community Fridge (Alief) – Run by the Wow Project, focusing on fresh produce and nutrition in the food-insecure zone of Houston. Address: 12131 Beechnut St., Houston TX 77072. Houstonia Magazine

6. Cy‑Fair Helping Hands – A community food pantry for the northwest Houston area: 9204 Emmott Road, Houston TX 77040. Offers food, toiletries, infant formula, etc. Mon, Thu & first/third Saturday each month 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Harris County Commissioner Precinct 4

7. Bellaire Community Fridge – Located at 6601 S Braeswood Blvd., Houston TX 77096. Free food pantry/fridge model in the southwest.

🔍 How to Use This List

• For expecting/new moms: If you’re unsure where to go, start with the Houston Food Bank locator map (Item #1).

• Bring ID and info: Many pantries ask for a photo ID, proof of address, proof of income — check ahead. Example: MESA-Outreach asks for ID, income proof, address.

• Check hours: Hours vary widely. Some sites are open only certain days or by appointment — call ahead to be safe.

• Use “no questions asked” locations too: Community fridges (Items #5-#8) are more informal and can be great for immediate access to fresh produce and staples.

• Ask about partner services: Some pantry sites offer other supports (infant formula, diapers, referrals to nutrition counselors) - worth asking especially for mothers and infants.

• Share this list: If you’re a doula, peer mentor, church leader or part of a pod, share it with your group or post it in your social networks.

Food access is maternal health care. For pregnant people and new mothers, consistent nutrition means healthier weight gain, better recovery, greater likelihood of successful breastfeeding, and improved infant development. When food becomes uncertain, every other system - birth care, emotional support, community connection - is under stress. We at Doolapods™ believe that building our own village of care means linking resources like these (food + nutrition) with doulas, peer groups, midwives, lactation consultants, and community supports. Food is foundational.

• If you’re a mom or expectant parent and you’re worried about food — use the list above today.

• If you’re a doula or support worker — share this list in your networks, include it in your pod onboarding or email newsletter.

• And if you’re in a position to give: consider volunteering, donating food, or supporting your neighborhood community fridge (#5-#8) — because when resources like these are thriving, we all win.