Disaster Response United States Project #45992

Target Hunger COVID-19 Relief Efforts

by TARGET HUNGER

Apr 6, 2021

April 2021 Update

By Carrie Grzelak - Director of Development

In the first quarter of 2021, Target Hunger has continued to serve the growing need for food assistance in the northeast Houston communities we serve. First, we wanted to share some highlights from 2020.

Last year, thanks to your support, Target Hunger was able to accomplish the following:

Provided food assistance to nearly 31,000 unduplicated individuals, a more than 50% increase over the amount of people that were served in 2019.
Hosted 252 unique food distribution events through various methods including: food pantries, food fairs, mobile pantries, partnerships, drive-thru disaster distributions, and home delivery.
Connected with over 600 community members to offer critical Navigation Services referring them to much needed resources and services like COVID-19 testing and utility assistance support.
New zip codes were added and our northeast Houston service area. Target Hunger expanded from providing food assistance in 6 zip-codes to a 9 zip-code area.

Target Hunger’s direct food assistance programs have continued to be implemented through: Drive-thru Disaster Distributions and Home Delivery. Additionally, Target Hunger has continued Navigation Services by phone.

The need for food assistance continues to be at an all-time high as recovery from Winter Storm Uri in February continues. Because of the pandemic our service level is up 50%, and after the Winter Storm the need became more critical.

We also wanted to share some words from Eva who had never come to a food distribution before the Winter Storm, and we asked what the help meant to her.

It meant more than words could ever explain. A lot of us did not know that we would find ourselves in a position where we had to come and get food, water, or toiletries. And when that hit us, some of us were hesitant. But then I realized that in order to provide a little for my household and for my friends who were not able to attend, I needed to come out. Trust me it was a help and has been very beneficial.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM WINTER STORM URI RECOVERY

VOLUNTEERS STEPPED UP. Volunteers made 95 home deliveries to home-bound and vulnerable families and packaged up nearly 400 food boxes at our Warehouse. Plus, volunteers helped distribute food and water to approximately 3,000 people per week in subsequent weeks.

WATER BECAME SCARCE. Clean drinking water became scarce, so bottled water became the sought-after item during Target Hunger's distributions. Fortunately, we received 20 pallets of donated water from various donors.

Thank you for your support of Target Hunger's work to help our neighbors in need!

Links:

Target Hunger website

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