Texans, Houston Food Bank partner to help those impacted by government shutdown, team donates $100,000: ‘Really crucial’

HOUSTON – For Houston resident Lawrence McHenry and his family, a helping hand Saturday benefited them greatly.

During tough times, especially during this government shutdown, necessities, including food that people count on, has become anything but business as usual.

McHenry was among the thousands who received food Saturday morning at NRG Stadium during an event in partnership between the Texans and the Houston Food Bank.

“Don’t get it wrong, it feels good, but, then at the same time, it feels hard,” McHenry told KPRC 2. “It’s sluggish because we shouldn’t be in this predicament. At the same time the system was shut down the system, you can’t be able to get food stamps and whatnot.

“It is really crucial right now for everybody, for myself as well, and especially for people that don’t have a job. So this is really crazy. For now, it’s just something, something better than nothing.”

Although a federal judge halted the stoppage of SNAP benefits, it will take time for that to be restored.

The Texans, through the leadership of the McNair family, donated $100,000 to benefit families in need and federal employees.

Amanda Grosdidier, executive director of the Texans’ foundation, said that the cooperation involved to make this happen was extraordinary. Especially from volunteers and staff.

“Today’s going great, it’s great to see the support from the community,” Grosdidier said in an interview. “To have this huge support, we have everybody coming out to be able to help everyone get through the line quickly to be able to get the food and the resources that they need. For anyone that’s missing their paychecks, people that would not be thinking of not getting paid, like how are you going to buy your groceries and be able to support your family?

“So, you’re making choices to pay your mortgage or buy groceries. So, it was amazing that the McNair family, Cal and Hannah, were able to quickly jump on board as well as the Houston Texans foundation to be able provide the $100,000 donation. But also be able open up the parking lot and be able flip everything with our incredible staff. And everyone around to be able to come and volunteer and help.”

Roughly 400,000 residents may be affected by the government shutdown, and this super site food distribution event will help roughly 15,000 families.

The Texans and the Houston Food Bank have worked together for many years.

Lastly the Houston Food Bank and the Texas have worked together for a very long time. What’s it like to have that partnership with the food bank?

“The Food Bank is incredible,” Grosdidier said. “Houston’s very lucky to have the Houston Food Bank here in our city because they have the resources and they have the heart to be able to quickly jump on board to help. The Texans have always enjoyed our relationship with them and we love everything that they do.”

Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and click2houston.com