HOUSTON – Second Servings is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fighting hunger and reducing food waste in the Greater Houston area. Founded with the goal of rescuing surplus food from businesses and redistributing it to those in need, the organization plays a vital role in addressing food insecurity as food costs continue to rise.
According to their website, Second Servings is “Houston’s only prepared and perishable food rescue organization.” They receive unsold or unserved food from a network of more than 400 licensed donor partners like grocery stores, restaurants, hotels, sports venues and caterers. They deliver the items to shelters, food pantries and community programs. By doing so, they not only provide nutritious meals to vulnerable populations but also help reduce the environmental impact of food waste.
The food Second Servings receives from donor partners is safe for consumption and may be donated due to a labeling error, cosmetic issues on the packaging, close expiration dates or it may be surplus prepared food from an event.
Second Servings also hosts Pop Up Grocery Store events in community centers and neighborhoods, bringing healthy foods into underserved parts of our community at no cost. The events provide easy access to fresh foods for people who may have difficulty finding transportation to a store or being able to afford groceries. Since January 2022, Second Servings has hosted more than 1,800 Pop Up Grocery Stores around Houston.
Through partnerships with local businesses, volunteers and donors, Second Servings continues to expand its efforts. The organization’s commitment to sustainability and social responsibility makes it a key player in Houston’s fight against hunger and food waste.
More about food waste
“Over one-third of the food produced in the United States is never eaten,” according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency. “Food waste is the single most common material landfilled and incinerated in the U.S.”
Second Servings rescues food from landfills and uses it to help fight hunger around Houston. Since its inception in 2015, Second Servings has repurposed more than 18 million of pounds of food, turning potential waste into valuable resources for families, seniors and individuals facing hunger. Their work also supports a network of partner agencies, like Kids’ Meals, YMCA and Julia C. Hester House, amplifying their reach and effectiveness. It is estimated that Second Servings provides food to help feed 250,000 Houstonians in need each year.
How you can help
Second Servings relies on food donors, financial supporters and volunteers to help feed those in need. You can learn more at these links:
- Come cheer on the Huskies with us! Second Servings will be collecting shelf-stable (nonperishable) food items for their Pop Up Grocery Stores at the Houston Christian University home football game vs. Northwestern State on Saturday, October 11. All food donors will receive a $2 voucher that may be used toward a ticket purchase for one of HCU’s remaining home games this season.
KPRC 2 and our Community partners at Energy Transfer and Houston Christian University are proud to feature local nonprofit organizations serving the Greater Houston area each month. Second Servings is our KPRC 2 Community focus for October 2025.