ince the beginning of COVID-19, East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry (EFBHNM) has provided tens of thousands of Fort Bend residents food and toiletry items to get them through this unprecedented time. Development Director Stacey Williams says, “We see at least one new family a week. And its often not who you would expect. So many in our community have been left without jobs or anywhere to turn this past year.”

“We are not your typical food pantry,” continues Stacey. “In addition to the generous donations of individuals, churches and other groups, East Fort Bend receives regular orders of meat, eggs and fresh produce from area grocery stores and gardens. Families can receive up to four full food orders in a year, or one supplemental order a week. These orders are tailored to the size and special needs of the household, and they include laundry detergent and toiletry items. Kids snacks are included to families with children. We distribute holiday food baskets during Christmas and Thanksgiving, and we also participate in Houston Food Bank’s Backpack Buddy Program.”

Recognizing that basic human needs include more than food, the Financial Assistance Program at EFBHNM provides help with mortgage or rent and utilities. East Fort Bend’s resale shop, Tri-City Churches Resale Shop, has been voted “Best Bargain Shopping Store in Fort Bend” by Fort Bend Focus readers multiple times. One hundred percent of the resale shop proceeds go directly to support the EFBHNM programs. This year also marks the fourth year for the annual Outrun Hunger 5K Fun Run in September. In 2019, Outrun Hunger raised more than $20,000.

Both the food pantry and resale shop are dependent on volunteers like you, plus monetary, food and resale shop donations are always welcome. Stacey says, “We also invite you to participate in one of our fundraising events. Empty Bowls, our largest fundraiser of the year, is coming up on June 25th at Safari Texas. Safari Texas owners Allison and Cassandra Wen helped us grow this event in the early years, and we are thrilled to return to their venue. Last year’s event was cancelled due to the pandemic, so our goal is to raise more money than ever before! It’s a wonderful evening out, and you’ll really get a chance to see what EFBHNM is all about!”

East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry, Inc.
281-261-1006
435 Stafford Run, Stafford, Texas 77477
www.humanneeds.org

For Empty Bowls tickets, visit www.humanneeds.org/tickets.
For more information and sponsorship opportunities,
visit www.humanneeds.org/sponsor-empty-bowls or
contact Stacey Williams: Stacey@humanneeds.org.