How are the food bank clients changing and why?

Food scholarships are a central feature of the Food for Change model. As the program develops, clients will receive food scholarships when they commit to completion of programs that can lead them to self-sufficiency. Food scholarships reduce financial pressure by covering a portion of household grocery costs so clients can focus on improving their lives.

Food scholarship recipients receive a voucher they can redeem for groceries during visits twice each month to designated scholarship food pantries strategically located near clients throughout the greater Houston area. A typical food distribution includes up to 60 pounds of healthy food, half of it produce. Pantries use the "client choice" method of food distribution, which allows individuals to select the nutritious foods they wish to take home.

As with traditional scholarships, recipients of food scholarships must maintain eligibility through their participation in programs in five categories: education, employment, health, housing or family finances.