Gone in a SNAP – Local nonprofits in The Woodlands and Montgomery County who can provide food for the needy during the shutdown

THE WOODLANDS, TX – According to sources, approximately 68,000 people in Montgomery County rely on SNAP – Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, aka food stamp – benefits, or just under nine percent of the total county population. The monthly cost of the program is approximately $12 million. And the ongoing government shutdown is threatening to remove those benefits on November 1.

While the battle over the shutdown wages on, mainly fought along party lines, it’s important to remember that hunger is consistent across the entire political spectrum. Some individuals and families simply can’t afford to eat three square meals a day without assistance from the government.

Luckily, for those relying on SNAP, there are several local organizations and business entities that can provide food and nutrition assistance for the length of the loss of any benefits. These organizations, funded and staffed by members of the community, are available to keep food on the table and provide other necessities for a family in need.

Montgomery County Food Bank

This lauded organization provides essential food to the elderly, handicapped, disabled, individuals ‘shut in’ and unable to leave their homes, with more than 85,000 neighbor engagements per month. Nine million meals were served last year through the food bank’s network of more than 90 partner agencies.

Serendipitously, on the day that SNAP benefits are slated to run out, the food bank is starting its annual Holiday Helpings Food and Funds Drive, where everyone in Montgomery County – residents, businesses, and schools – is encouraged to participate and join the fight against hunger during the holiday season. The drive runs November 1 through December 31 and is presented by Waste Connections.

To learn more about Montgomery County Food Bank, find a food pantry, or host a food drive, visit https://mcfoodbank.org/ or call (936) 271-8822.

Community Assistance Center

Over the years, CAC has been known by different names – originally as Montgomery County Emergency Assistance, then as Crisis Assistance Center – but its mission has remained constant and true: to provide resources to meet basic needs and improve quality of life for neighbors in need in Montgomery County.

CAC, based out of Conroe with a countywide reach, provides practical solutions promoting self-sufficiency for rent/mortgage assistance, utilities assistance, shelter vouchers, prescription services, back to school assistance, transportation, food, clothing, education, and disaster recovery.

To learn more of the services they offer, visit https://cac-mctx.org/ or call (936) 494-4412.

Interfaith of The Woodlands

Interfaith’s Programs and Services work with member congregations, corporations, organizations, individuals, and other social service agencies to help those in need who live within our service area.

Starting on November 1, concerned members of the community can help Interfaith brighten the holiday season by participating in their 2025 Holiday Giving program. People can choose to support various programs such as Adopt-a-Family, the Toy Drive, and Gifts-for-Seniors. Holiday Giving provides families, children, and seniors with gifts and food to make their Holiday Season special.

Interfaith has numerous programs, services, and outlets to help those in need. To learn more, visit https://woodlandsinterfaith.org/ or call (832) 615-8231.

Nourishment for the Needy

This is a ministry, not an agency that places a high priority on respecting the dignity of all those who ask for help. They are compassionate toward the needs of those struggling and committed to immediately assisting with the immediate crisis – whether it be a physical or spiritual need.

Eligible ZIP codes to receive assistance from this Christ-driven ministry include 77380, 77381, 77383, 77384, 77385, and 77386. They also ask that you make an appointment with them in advance to show commitment to the need.

Their hours of operation are Mondays 4 p.m. - 6 p.m., and Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. To make an appointment or to learn more visit https://nourishmentfortheneedy.org/ or call (281) 292-2695.

The Abundant Harvest Food Pantry

Listing themselves as A Pantry with a Cause, Abundant Harvest Food Pantry is more than just a pantry; it’s a mission-driven experience. Every interaction with someone's story directly contributes to helping others and supporting vital programs in the community. Starting with humble beginnings as a food truck, Abundant Harvest has its origins as a mobile food pantry in 2017 to support Hurricane Harvey relief. When faced with the challenges of COVID-19, they rose to the occasion, distributing a staggering one-million pounds of food. Today, the pantry continues this legacy, providing essential support to over 3,000 families each month

Appointments are strongly encouraged to come to their Walk-In Pantry. The facility, located at 24803 Oakhurst Dr Suite B, in Spring is closed Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, available for appointments 3 p.m. - 7 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays, and available for limited non-appointment visits on those days from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. Learn more and make your appointment at https://harvestkitchen.org/.

211

Texas features the 211 phone service, operated in partnership with the Texas Health and Human Services Commission and various United Way chapters. You can call for help with resources such as food, housing, child care, mental health support, and more. To reach the 211 phone number in Texas, simply dial 2-1-1 from any phone to connect with a free, confidential, and 24/7 helpline that provides information and referrals for health and human services.