The UHCL Neumann Library’s “Thanksgiving Food Drive” has been underway since Nov. 1 and will continue through Nov. 21. A donation box is located in the front of the Library in Bayou Building room 2402, for students, staff, and campus visitors to participate.

With the recent freeze on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, many community members are struggling to afford groceries and essential items. By donating, members of the UHCL community can help fill that gap, ensuring that families will have the means to put food on the table this holiday season.

According to a 2025 report by the nonprofit group Every Texan, in 2024 approximately 3.47 million residents (11.4% of the state’s population) depended on SNAP to assist them in affording groceries. However, even with this assistance, food insecurity was still prevalent and affected 17.6% of the Texas population and over 22% of children statewide.

Knowing how widespread food insecurity is, UHCL’s “Thanksgiving Food Drive” serves as an important way for the campus community to make a tangible impact.

The drive is accepting holiday prep-items such as boxed stuffing, canned broth, gravy, cranberry sauce, pumpkin, and ham. Perishable items such as butter, eggs, and turkey are also welcome, but donors are asked to contact Library Associate Jenny Perna via email at [email protected] beforehand to arrange a drop-off time for those.

In addition to UHCL’s efforts, several other food drives and community donation programs are taking place across the Houston area. Those who wish to contribute sooner, later, or learn more about additional opportunities can visit the Houston Food Bank website to find pantries, meal programs, TEFAP products, and distribution partners.

Every donation counts. With collective effort, the UHCL community can help make sure no family goes without a holiday meal.