As grocery prices and household expenses continue to strain family budgets across the Houston area, Harris County Precinct 4 is expanding access to free food assistance programs aimed at helping residents during the summer months.

Commissioner Lesley Briones announced a series of food distribution and meal assistance programs designed to support families facing food insecurity while children are out of school for summer break.

According to county data, nearly 40% of Harris County households experience food insecurity, a rate significantly higher than the national average. For many families, the summer months can create an added burden as children lose access to free or reduced-price school meals.

The expanded programs will provide fresh produce, prepared meals, groceries, and nutrition assistance through partnerships with organizations including Common Market, Houston Food Bank, Second Servings of Houston, Feed the Fridge, Tejano Center, and Brighter Bites.

A community food distribution event is scheduled for Thursday, May 28, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at Burnett Bayland Community Center, located at 6026 Chimney Rock Road in Houston. The event will include food distribution efforts and summer meal assistance resources for local families.

The summer assistance programs will operate at several Precinct 4 community centers, including Bayland, Burnett Bayland, Freed, Hockley, Radack, Tracy Gee, and Weekley community centers.

Programs include free farm-fresh produce distributions through Common Market, Kids Cafe meal programs with Houston Food Bank for children ages 18 and younger, and a pop-up grocery store at Burnett Bayland Community Center offering surplus grocery items such as fruits, vegetables, dairy products, meats, sandwiches, salads, and baked goods at no cost.

Additional services include a community fridge stocked with donated meals from local restaurants at Freed Community Center and La Tiendita Gulfton, a resource center at the Bayland Community Center complex that connects residents with food assistance and nutrition education. Appointments for La Tiendita Gulfton are required and can be scheduled by calling 346-260-3059.

Brighter Bites will also provide free seasonal produce distributions at Burnett Bayland and Tracy Gee community centers throughout the summer.

Officials said the programs are intended to help families maintain access to nutritious meals at a time when many households continue to struggle with inflation, rising housing costs, and increasing grocery bills.

Summer Food Program Links & Registration

• Community Food Distribution (Common Market)
• Kids Cafe with Houston Food Bank
• Pop-Up Grocery Store 
• Community Fridge (Feed the Fridge)
• La Tiendita Gulfton (Tejano Center)
• Produce Distribution (Brighter Bites)