Harris County Precinct One employees – led by Commissioner Rodney Ellis - distributed 200,000 pounds of holiday cheer last Saturday, December 15. Over 4,000 Precinct One families received Holiday Food Boxes through a partnership with the Houston Food Bank.

Decked out in holiday attire, Precinct One employees loaded vehicles with donated food – including fresh meat, potatoes, nonperishable goods and milk – at four locations in Precinct One - Tom Bass Community Center, Worthing High School, Atherton Elementary School and Hardy Community Center.

“Food insecurity challenges are year-round for many Harris County residents. Houston Food Bank’s partnership with Harris County Precinct One allows us to provide a little relief during the holiday season,” explains Commissioner Ellis.

There are an estimated 724,000 Harris County residents who report having to choose between paying for food, medicine or medical care. Commissioner Ellis coordinated this effort with Houston Food Bank as part of his every day mission to follow in the footsteps of his mentor – the late Congress Mickey Leland, who fought hunger in Houston and around the world.

The three-hour giveaway saw long lines of vehicles at each location as families, who reserved the holiday food boxes earlier this month, waited patiently for their food.

Throughout the morning, Precinct One employees and other volunteers greeted recipients with smiling faces and well wishes for the holidays. For the Precinct One staff and volunteers, it was a great way to give back to the community.

”No one should have to worry about where their next meal is coming from or make tough choices between feeding their families or keeping the lights on,” Commissioner Ellis says. “At Precinct One, we will work year round to end hunger through policies, programs and service.”