EatSmart fans will continue to select a Charity of the Month in 2017. Fans will submit short stories about the charity’s mission and why it’s meaningful to them. We began our Charity of the Month donations in 2011. An unprecedented number of people in the greater Houston area are still affected by the flooding caused by Hurricane Harvey. The storm unleashed monumental destruction across southeast Texas. For individuals who already struggle to provide for their family’s basic needs, the flooding is even more catastrophic. We selected the Houston Food Bank as our charity for December 2017.  The Houston Food Bank’s Mission: In fall 2008, the Houston Food Bank merged with End Hunger Network, a Houston-area food rescue organization, thus making more effective use of community resources by working together as one. In fiscal year 2016-2017, the Houston Food Bank distributed 83,000,000 nutritious meals. The vision for the future is to expand service to the community to 100,000,000 nutritious meals by 2018. Every dollar donated to the Houston Food Bank provides the equivalent of three meals for an individual. How does the Houston Food Bank help people affected by Harvey? The Houston Food Bank has a history of providing disaster relief, but we’ve never seen devastation on this scale. We will provide food and supplies in the short term and for many months to come to residents in southeast Texas who will struggle to rebuild their lives.  The Food Bank will work closely with our network of partner agencies to ensure food is getting to those who need it most.  We also find ways to connect offers of help with those who are providing help.