‘We All Eat’ Program Awarded Additional $5 Million for Meal Distribution in Fort Bend County
HOUSTON, TX — JUNE 2, 2021 — The Texas Black Expo announces that Fort Bend County has awarded an additional $5 million to its We All Eat program, which provides meals to those in need from local restaurants. This latest award puts a total funding amount of the program at $10.6 million. To date, nearly 500,000 free meals have been distributed to families in Fort Bend County via the program, a rate that is expected to nearly double by the end of the year.
“We are very excited that the leaders in Fort Bend County see the great value of the We All Eat program to both residents and restaurants in Fort Bend County. Although the country is in the beginning stages of reopening, restaurants are still in dire need of support, and families are still facing food insecurity. We hope to continue supporting both residents and businesses for as long as we can until both are stable,” said Jerome Love, founder of the Texas Black Expo and We All Eat program.
Texas is currently facing one of the largest spikes in food insecurity in the state’s history, leading to a growth in demand for food assistance thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, local restaurants and food suppliers and producers are also feeling the negative effects of the pandemic. According to the Texas Restaurant Association, an estimated 30 percent of restaurants will be forced to close as a result of COVID. Without a solution, this could have a devastating impact on the Fort Bend County community.
Selected restaurants identified to participate in the program are strategically located throughout Fort Bend County to provide meals for those in need. Texas Black Expo reimburses the restaurants for the cost of the meals they serve to We All Eat program participants. Texas Black Expo is reimbursed for these funds from Fort Bend County. In order to participate, each restaurant must be located within Fort Bend and be in good standing with the County.
Participating restaurants list a daily menu online with 2–3 selections from which We All Eat participants may choose. Approved residential applicants receive a personal participation number (PPN), which they use to order meals online. Generally, one meal per family member per day may be ordered using the individual’s PPN.
Fort Bend County residents are still able to apply to participate in the We All Eat program at www.wealleattexas.com.
