Houston families seek food aid as SNAP hangs in limbo

HOUSTON — Before dawn Saturday, vehicles started lining up at NRG Stadium as the Houston Food Bank prepared to open a large-scale “supersite” to distribute food to families worried about the future of federal assistance

HOUSTON — Before dawn Saturday, vehicles started lining up at NRG Stadium as the Houston Food Bank prepared to open a large-scale “supersite” to distribute food to families worried about the future of federal assistance.

The site, modeled after the drive-thru events deployed during the Covid-19 pandemic, was set up to serve about 5,000 families, supplying them with produce, frozen chicken and other household staples.

Angelina Alonzo said she arrived at 5 a.m., hoping to be one of the first in line. She typically receives $400 a month in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, benefits, which she uses to feed her children and grandchildren, she said — but her funds for November have not arrived, leaving her with no choice but to visit the stadium Saturday.

“It means paying more money out of your pockets,” she said from the driver’s side window of her car as she waited. “If you don’t have it, you have to find somewhere to get money to supply for the children.”

Volunteers help hand out food during a food distribution event in Houston Oct. 29, 2025.Houston Chronicle / Getty ImagesAlso in line was Armando Hinojosa, who said that even when SNAP benefits are available, stretching them to the end of the month is a challenge.