Has your life returned to “normal”? Are you busy with family, education, work and more? Are you enjoying travel again?

The first half of 2023 is behind us and during that time, the Pantry logged more than 4,200 client visits. That puts us on track to surpass the record of 7,000 visits in 2022. We served an average of 178 families each week through the first half of 2023. That’s a 62% increase over the number of families we served each week in 2019–when things were “normal”. The reduced demand that we expected as the pandemic receded has not materialized.

Why is demand increasing? Why is this our new normal? We believe significant need coupled with the consistent product and dignified welcome our clients receive is driving our growth. Every family who visits receives close to 60 pounds of food valued at $45–that adds up to more than $8,000/week based on our 2023 YTD average. Sourcing food from the Houston Food Bank (HFB) is more reliable, but not yet sufficient to meet the need. We spend $7,000 each month on items not available from the HFB to ensure our clients always receive:

• Eggs
• Fresh produce
• Nutritious variety of non-perishable items
• Basic toiletries

Over the last three years, generous contributions of time and money allowed us to meet the demand. We could not do anything without our faithful volunteers who come from across the city to keep our small Pantry running. They check food, bag product and give what we have with care and respect. Many volunteers pick up donations, bringing frozen meat, bread and more to the Pantry. And we have “muscles” that help unload pallet deliveries from the Houston Food Bank.

We are thankful for our rent-free facility, courtesy of Zion Lutheran Church, but we must keep the AC running in the summer and pay to maintain and improve our property. Your ongoing support helps us cover day to day operations and make strategic updates that include:  

• Make a financial donation – your gift helps meet the need!
• Contribute your time – Volunteer!
• Donate shelf-stable food, diapers and toiletries.
• Host a food drive at your school, workplace or place of worship. For details, contact the pantry.
• Contribute in-kind goods or services.
• Donate when you shop at Kroger. Link your loyalty card to Heights Interfaith Ministries Food Pantry or organization #NR183. Click here to get started.
• Help stock the shelves by shopping on our Amazon Wish List. It’s quick and easy and items will be delivered directly to the Pantry.