Jolt Action

When the Government Fails, We Feed Each Other

Millions of Texans are already feeling the impact of the government shutdown, with food assistance programs like SNAP running out of funding. For many working-class families, this isn’t just another budget fight in Washington, it’s a question of what goes on the table tonight.

But when systems fail, our communities show up. Across Texas, neighbors, churches, colleges, and local nonprofits are opening their doors to make sure no family is left hungry. If you or someone you know needs help, or if you’re in a position to give back, check out the resources below.

Porque juntos, nos cuidamos.

National & Statewide Resources

FoodFinder.us – A nationwide map of free food programs for anyone in need.

FeedingTexas.org – Connects Texans with local food banks and community pantries.

TheLittleFreePantries.org – A network of small, community-run pantries open 24/7 across neighborhoods nationwide.

211Texas.org – A 24/7 hotline and website where you can find food pantries, meal programs, and utility bill assistance.

Feeding Texas Network – A statewide directory of regional food banks serving every county in Texas.

Austin

  • Central Texas Food Bank – Find locations and schedules for free groceries and meal programs at centraltexasfoodbank.org.

  • Sunrise Homeless Navigation Center – 4430 Menchaca Rd, Austin, TX 78745. Daily breakfast and lunch service, 7am–2pm.

  • Austin Mutual Aid – Community-led food distributions and emergency funds. Updates on Instagram @austinmutualaid.

Dallas

Brother Bill’s Helping Hand
📍 3906 N. Westmoreland Rd., Dallas, TX 75212
🕘 Tuesday, Nov 4, 9am–11am
Special distribution for federal employees or anyone affected by SNAP cuts.

Dallas College – West Dallas Center Pantry
📍 3330 N. Hampton Rd., Dallas, TX 75212
🕘 Tuesdays & Fridays, 9am–5pm
Free weekly groceries, clothing, and educational resources.

Representative Venton Jones – HD 100 Food Resources

  • Aunt Bette’s Community Pantry: 3203 Holmes St., Tues–Fri, 9am–1pm

  • Harmony Community Development Pantry: 3543 W. Kiest Blvd., Wed–Fri, 10am–2pm

  • Vickery Meadow Food Pantry: 8448 Walnut Hill Ln., Mon–Fri, 9am–3pm

  • North Texas Food Bank Mobile Network: rotating sites; find one at ntfb.org/find-a-food-pantry.

Representative Ana-María Rodríguez Ramos – HD 102 Food Pantries
Includes Dallas, Richardson & Garland:

  • Inspired Vision Compassion Center: 2019 N. Masters Dr., M–F, 9:30am–5pm

  • Highland Oaks Church Caring & Sharing: 100805 Walnut Hill Ln., Tues–Thurs, 12–3pm

  • Saint Michael the Archangel Catholic Church Food Pantry: 950 Trails Pkwy, Garland, Thurs–Sat, 9:30–11:30am
    Full list available through district102.ramos@house.texas.gov.

 

Representative Nicole Collier – HD 95 Food Bank List (Fort Worth)
A wide list of pantries including Broadway Baptist, Eastside Ministries, and North Texas VA Healthcare. Call 817-332-1180 or visit your nearest site (open multiple days each week).

Houston

Houston Food Bank Special Distributions
📍 Multiple sites across the city
Visit houstonfoodbank.org/find-help/find-food for up-to-date times and registration details.

Upcoming distributions include:

  • West Houston Assistance Ministries (WHAM)
  • Bethel’s Heavenly Hands
  • Bear Creek Pioneer Park
  • Community of Faith Church
  • Catholic Charities – Richmond

 

Christian Community Service Center
Partner of Houston Food Bank, offering additional registration and information: info@houstonfoodbank.org or 211Texas.org.

San Antonio

Catholic Charities – Serving Those Who Serve
📍 St. Stephen’s CARE Center, 2127 S. Zarzamora St.
🕓 Thursday, Nov 6, 4pm–7:30pm
Drive-thru event for military and federal employees affected by loss of wages. Bring ID.

San Antonio Food Bank
📞 210-431-8326 | safoodbank.org
Free groceries, meals, and distributions across Bexar County.

Additional Local Ministries & Centers

  • Agape Ministries: 127 Lanark | 210-646-8567

  • Antioch Baptist Church: 1001 N. Walters | 2nd Wed, 8am

  • Catholic Worker House: 626 Nolan | Breakfast MTWF 8:30am, Lunch 11:30am

  • Christian Assistance Ministries: 110 McCullough Ave | Sack lunches & groceries every 3 months

  • Christian Hope Resource Center: 321 N. General McMullen | Mon–Sat, 9am–Noon

  • Guadalupe Community Center: 1801 Cesar Chavez | Mon–Thurs, 9am–2pm

  • Hispanic Religious HELP Program: 1701 W. Woodlawn Ave | Emergency food support

  • Metropolitan Community Church: 611 E. Myrtle St | Saturdays 10am–2pm

  • Presa Community Center: 3721 S. Presa | Emergency meals every 6 months

  • St. Henry’s Catholic Church: 1619 S. Flores | Fridays, 9am–Noon

  • Gardopia Gardens: 619 N. New Braunfels Ave. | Community pantry & fresh produce

  • Little Stellar Pantry: 306 Timberlane Dr. | Neighborhood mini-pantry

The San Antonio Mayor’s Grocery Assistance Program raised $1.6 million for food gift cards – details to be released soon. Read more here.

Together, We Take Care of Us

Across Texas, people are proving that solidarity feeds more than hunger-it feeds hope. Every pantry, church, and kitchen listed here represents a community refusing to look away.

If you do not need assistance and are in the position to help, consider donating to your local food bank or volunteering your time. Every hour, every dollar, every bag of groceries helps a neighbor make it through.