In a city known for its heart, Valentine’s Day arrived with more than roses and chocolate. It arrived with compassion on wheels.

On Friday, February 14, 2026, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo and U.S. Representative Sylvia Garcia joined Interfaith Ministries President and CEO Sheroo Mukhtiar to personally deliver meals to homebound seniors through Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston’s beloved Meals on Wheels program.

It wasn’t a photo opportunity. It was a reminder. The mission was simple — but powerful.

“What better way to show love to the community ahead of Valentine’s Day than by delivering meals to folks in need.”

Those words from Judge Hidalgo captured the spirit of the day. While many Houstonians exchanged flowers and cards, county leaders delivered something just as meaningful: nourishment, reassurance, and connection.

Why Meals on Wheels Matters More Than Ever in Houston

As Houston families navigate rising grocery costs, housing pressures, and lingering economic uncertainty, one sobering statistic stands out: according to a 2025 report from the Kinder Institute, more than 2 in 5 households in Harris County face food insecurity—nearly three times the national average.

For seniors living alone on fixed incomes, those numbers aren’t abstract. They’re daily realities.

“What better way to show love to the community ahead of Valentine’s Day than by delivering meals to folks in need,” Judge Hidalgo shared. “With inflation, food insecurity and costs of living still high, the work that Meals on Wheels does is important now more than ever.”

And the numbers behind that work are staggering.

• 1,385,654 meals delivered in 2025
• More than 6,000 seniors served across Harris County
• 80,724 pounds of pet food distributed through the Animeals program

Yes, pet food. Because in many households, a senior’s cat or dog is family—and companionship is as essential as nutrition.

More Than a Meal: It’s a Wellness Check, a Smile, a Lifeline

Meals on Wheels in Houston is about far more than nutrition. Each knock on the door is a wellness check. A friendly face. A few minutes of conversation that can mean everything to someone who may not see another person that day.

Under the leadership of Sheroo Mukhtiar, Interfaith Ministries continues to expand its reach, ensuring that seniors can age with dignity, safety, and connection. In a county of nearly five million residents—the third-largest in the nation—this work is both massive and deeply personal.

Congresswoman Garcia’s participation underscored a bipartisan truth: caring for seniors is not political. It is moral. It is communal. It is Houston at its best.

A Call to Action for Houston

Houston Style Magazine readers know this city thrives when we show up for one another. Whether through volunteering, donating, or simply spreading awareness, every act counts.

If you or someone you know needs assistance with food benefits, Harris County residents can explore SNAP resources through the Harris County Community Services Department:
https://cjo.harriscountytx.gov/

And if you’re looking for a meaningful way to serve in 2026, consider volunteering with Meals on Wheels through Interfaith Ministries. A few hours of your time could change someone’s entire week.

Leadership in Service

As Harris County’s chief executive and Director of the Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, Judge Hidalgo oversees a $5 billion county budget alongside four precinct commissioners. Yet on this February Friday, leadership looked less like policy and more like presence—walking up driveways, carrying insulated bags, and delivering warmth in more ways than one.

Because in Houston, love isn’t just spoken.

It’s delivered.