Residents with disabilities can now get Houston Food Bank goods delivered

A new distribution system aims to connect Houston residents with disabilities who may have difficulty accessing food and other items offered by the Houston Food Bank.

The food bank has seen a significant increase those seeking help during the coronavirus outbreak, said Melanie Pang, Houston Food Bank’s government relations officer.

“We don’t want to leave anybody behind, and there are some people who cannot get to the food distribution centers,” Mayor Sylvester Turner said.

Anyone with disabilities can fill out a service form online in English or Spanish or over the phone to arrange a delivery of nonperishables, fresh produce and other supplies.

“Currently, we’re operating at 150% of our usual distribution,” Pang said. “We’re known for doing big-scale things, but we have to be able to do things at the community level, too.”

Deliveries are provided through a partnership with the Houston Food Bank and the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County. The effort, organized by the Houston Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities, was supported by $30,000 worth of goods donated by Sam’s Club and Walmart.

For more information about coronavirus-related services for people with disabilities, including testing accommodations, visit www.houstontx.gov/disabilities/emergency.