Houston Restaurant Weeks is here in full swing for the 19th year, much to the excitement of Houston foodies. But the fun, food filled event isn’t just about trying out the latest restaurants and indulging in savory dishes. It’s about giving back to the community and lending a helping hand to those in need. Over the past year and a half, Houston has seen a dramatic uptick in food insecurity and the need for food assistance due to the far-reaching effects of COVID-19. With the community’s help, we can all play a part in curbing the pangs of hunger in our city and beyond.

About Houston Restaurant Weeks & How it Works

Starting in 2003, Houston Restaurant Weeks (HRW) is a month-long dining event that directly benefits the largest food bank in the United States—the Houston Food Bank. Over the years, the charity dining event has raised over $16 million and helped provide over 50 million meals to individuals experiencing food insecurity. From August 1 through September 6, diners can choose from over 200 restaurants around the Houston area and order brunch, lunch and dinner during the city’s largest annual fundraising event. Restaurants are offering special fixed priced menus with many to-go, patio and in-person dining options available.

Donation Break Down

  • Purchasing a $49 dinner = $5 donation
  • Purchasing a $35 dinner = $3 donation
  • Purchasing a $20 brunch or lunch = $1 donation

At the Houston Food Bank, every $1 donated provides 3 meals for someone in need. So, as you’re pondering which restaurants to eat at over the next two weeks, you’ll have a unique opportunity to support the local economy, grab a bite to eat and even more importantly, help people in need in our surrounding community. View the full list of participating restaurants, who’s offering to-go menus and outdoor patio dining options here.

COVID’s Impact on Food Insecurity

In 2020, Feeding America reported that Harris County had 869,010 individuals experiencing food insecurity—the second largest number in the US behind Lost Angeles County. As of 2020, Texas fell within the top 10 states with the largest projected food insecurity rates. Since the emergence of the pandemic, the Houston Food Bank has faced a record demand for food assistance and has jumped from serving 1 million people in its 18-county service area to 2.75 million individuals. As the pandemic lingers, more and more individuals are faced with the difficult choice of buying food or paying for essentials like electricity. It takes the help of a compassionate community to fight hunger, lend a helping hand and help struggling individuals get back on their feet. From conducting food drives to volunteering time and talent, there are many ways to safely help the Houston Food Bank provide healthy, nutritional meals for others. Find out how you can get involved here.

Ronald Reagan famously said, “We can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone.” We all have something out there that speaks to us, something that makes us tick and jump out of bed in the morning. At IronEdge Group, it’s about service and giving back to others. From delivering exceptional client experiences to giving back to neighbors in our community, people always come first. Challenging times will arise, but those anxieties can be alleviated by a community filled with kindness and compassion. Together we can fight against hunger and food insecurity in Houston and beyond.