As a prolonged government shutdown and a first-ever suspension of SNAP benefits strained families, Montgomery County Food Bank saw a sharp rise in visits. Holiday Helpings drew record participation and donations, reinforcing the community’s response to growing hunger.
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In the fall of 2025, an increase in demand for food assistance was observed as a historic government shutdown and the unprecedented suspension of SNAP benefits compelled more families to seek support. This situation led to a notable uptick in visits to the Montgomery County Food Bank during its Holiday Helpings campaign.
In September 2025, the Montgomery County Food Bank reported that neighbors sought assistance over 93,000 times. By November, that figure rose to 111,000, highlighting the pressure on household finances and the increasing demand for emergency food assistance.
The rise occurred alongside Holiday Helpings, a yearly community initiative that unites businesses, churches, and civic organizations to gather funds and collect food. In the current year, over 170 organizations took part.
“The generosity we witnessed during Holiday Helpings was truly inspiring,” remarked Kristine Marlow, president and CEO of Montgomery County Food Bank. “In a period marked by uncertainty for numerous families, the Montgomery County community responded with remarkable solidarity.”
Marlow indicated that the level of involvement enabled the food bank’s network to react swiftly as demand increased. “The involvement of numerous outstanding organizations enabled our network to react swiftly and guarantee that residents throughout Montgomery County received nourishing food at a critical time,” she stated.
Sponsors anchored the campaign, with Waste Connections as the presenting sponsor. Among the sponsors of the Spirit of Giving are Enterprise Mobility, Kroger, Ovintiv, Scott Law Firm, and US Anesthesia Partners.
Fund drives were also pivotal in this context. Donation cards featuring QR codes were utilized at participating locations, enabling both customers and employees to contribute directly to the food bank. The food bank estimates that each dollar raised can provide up to 4 meals. The leading fundraisers included Murex Petroleum Corporation, Hertha Metals, D.R. Horton, Lutheran Church, and the Conroe/Lake Conroe Chamber of Commerce.
Food drives aim to collect essential items for children, seniors, veterans, and working families throughout the county. According to organizers, the collaborative initiatives played a crucial role in stabilizing supply amid rising demand during the holiday season.
The food bank attributed the campaign to strengthening community connections during a period of increased uncertainty and anticipates demand will remain high as the new year approaches.
To learn more about the Montgomery County Food Bank and its upcoming events, please check out mcfoodbank.org.
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