With the current government shutdown and rising food costs, many Houstonians are living on the edge of food insecurity. Each day there are reports of SNAP benefits being defunded, half-funded, and then re-funded again. Federal employees have been furloughed, leaving minimal funds for groceries. It’s no surprise that restaurants are feeling the pinch, as well as local food banks. To wit, many are stepping up in this time of crisis with food donations, check-writing, and meal offers.
DiningOut is keeping a log of places that are offering assistance for those in need—from local restaurants to pick-up sites for pantry staples and fresh food. This list will be continually updated in the coming weeks.
Petit Beignets and Tapioca
This shop near Tomball has been making big news with its sandwich giveaways and food donations to those struggling with the current economic hardships. It is continuing its community outreach on Saturday, November 8 with a free spaghetti dinner, side salad, and bread for anyone in need. The free meal deal begins at 11 a.m. and will continue while supplies last. Owner Nhan Ngo told DiningOut that he and his team are working out a meal plan for Thanksgiving week as well. For those looking to support Petit Beignets and Tapioca, the restaurant is lauded for its sandwiches, create-your-own ramen bowls, and fluffy beignets. 22490 TX-249, Houston, facebook.com/petitbeignettapioca
Houston Food Bank Supersite
The Houston Food Bank is the largest food bank in the country, and it provides groceries and meals to Harris County and numerous surrounding regions. This Saturday, November 8, it is meeting the needs of locals with a number of food distribution sites across the city. Along with its partners, it will offer food assistance to SNAP recipients and federal employees who register in advance at houstonfoodbank.org/crisisresponse or call 211. The supersite locations are HISD Hattie Mae, 4400 W. 18th St., from 8 a.m. to noon; Northwest Assistance Ministries, 15555 Kuykendahl Rd., from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.; and Catholic Charities, 1111Collins Rd., Richmond, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will also be a food distribution on Tuesday, November 11 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Bethel’s Heavenly Hands, 12525 Fondren Rd., Houston.
Medium RARE
Known for its steak and frites meals, this Midtown restaurant is offering a complimentary lunch to anyone showing a SNAP or EBT card on Monday November 10 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The meal includes steak, fries, and a soft drink. The outreach to the community is part of its Feed the Fridge program, which works with restaurants to provide ready-to-eat meals for free to those in need. The program has provided more than one million meals since its inception. For those who would like to support the project, donations can be made at feedthefridge.org. All donations will be used for meals within the state. 3201 Louisiana St., Houston, mediumrarerestaurant.com/houston
Lasagna House 1960
This family-owned eatery has been serving delicious Italian food for decades, and it has always been a big supporter of the local community. Owner Matt Vernon is continuing the love by offering federal employees a complimentary pasta bowl or lasagna every Friday, throughout the course of the government shutdown. All federal employees who show their identification will receive the free pasta dish, plus salad, bread, and iced tea. Those who would like to return the favor to the restaurant should go enjoy a feast with family and friends. 217D Cypress Creek Pkwy., Houston, lasagnahouse1960.com
Comfort Foodies
This Latin-Caribbean restaurant is known for its soulful cuisine, and now it is stepping up to the plate for those in need. During the government shutdown, the restaurant is offering $10 daily specials for all, available Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; plus free kids meals all day with the purchase of an adult meal. Some of the specials include smothered pork chops, fried catfish basket, and more. For kids, there are options like the kids burger meal and chicken tenders meal. The specials are dine-in only and children must be present for the deal. Those who would like to help can purchase a “pay it forward” meal for half off the regular price. The restaurant will offer the donated meals to patrons in need. 8128 N. Sam Houston Pkwy. W., Houston, comfortfoodieshtx.com
