There may be times during the year that our students may find themselves lacking healthy and nutritious food - and the last thing we want is for that to stand in the way of your academic success. The University of Houston offers several resources for those who may be experiencing temporary or longer-lasting food insecurity.

On-campus Resources

Cougar Cupboard

The Cougar Cupboard is a partnership between the University of Houston and the Houston Food Bank. The University of Houston is excited for the Cougar Cupboard to join the Food for Change market network. This food pantry is located and operated in UH Wellness, suite 1038 on the first floor of the Campus Recreation and Wellness Center. A plethora of fresh fruit, vegetables, frozen and refrigerated foods will be available during regular intervals for students. Additionally, DoorDash is available upon request.

Cougar Cupboard 2: Operated by PEEPS

The University of Houston College of Education has opened a free food pantry in Farish Hall 128 to help all students in need, joining a growing movement nationally to go beyond academic support to boost student success. The pantry is part of a larger initiative in the College of Education called the Personal Early Educational Performance Support, or PEEPS, program. Students can get access to non-perishable items and toiletries as needed.

Students can find out how to access the pantry by visiting the PEEPS Pantry website.

Campus Ministries

During the fall and spring semesters, free lunches and dinners are scheduled during the week through UH Campus Ministries. Students of all backgrounds are welcome to join! These meals are provided on various days and times at the A.D. Bruce Religion Center, as well as campus adjacent locations like the Baptist Student Ministry (Tuesdays) and the Catholic Newman Center (Thursdays).

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On-Campus Resources

Center for Diversity & Inclusion - "To-Go Tuesdays"

• Free breakfast starting 9:00 am on Tuesdays in CDI Office
• Student Center South Basement Suite #12
• First come, first served (usually out by 11:00 am

Off-Campus Resources

Houston Food Bank

The Houston Food Bank is our area’s largest food bank distributor and leads hunger relief in 18 southeast Texas counties. They are committed to providing food scholarships to clients to improve their quality of life. Multiple locations are located across the Houston Metro area.

Additionally, UH students that are enrolled in the Food Scholarship Program and visit the Cougar Cupboard are also eligible to visit the Houston Food Bank’s many Food for Change market locations across the city. The closest market on-campus (besides the Cougar Cupboard) is Riverside United Methodist Church, located at 4920 Cullen Blvd.

Kids' Meals Houston

Kids' Meals Houston can deliver meals to families with children that are 5 years old or younger.

Lasagna Love

You can request a lasagna and a volunteer will make and deliver it. All requests done online, but typically has a long wait time (2+ weeks) as there are about 6 total volunteers in the area around the university.

Meals on Wheels

Meals on Wheels is for seniors 60 years and older (other qualifications may apply). There are many Houston locations and home delivery is an option, also. Their main Houston partner seems to be Interfaith Ministries of Greater Houston.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

SNAP is a federal program that provides nutrition benefits to supplement the food budget of needy families so they can purchase healthy food and move towards self-sufficiency. Should a student find themselves in an unexpected and prolonged food insecurity situation, they may be eligible for SNAP benefits – visit their website to learn more about the program! For international students, please check with International Student and Scholar Services Office before you apply for this program.

United Way Houston

United Way Houston helps with a variety of things - "Whether you need help finding child care, food stamps, care for an aging parent, or a haven from domestic violence, 211 is the number to call when you don't know who to call."

West Houston Assistance Ministries

The West Houston Assistance Ministries is a large Houston Food Bank partner who conducts regular food distributions.

Additional Resource Databases

• Findhelp.org - For food assistance, help paying bills, and more reduced cost programs
• Accesshou.org - A resource database for immigrants and agencies working with immigrants in the Greater Houston area

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