It may be surprising to learn that in Harris County, the nation’s third most populous, half a million residents live in food deserts — areas that have limited access to affordable, high-quality fresh food.
And fresh food isn’t the only challenge. For the 800,000 people in Harris County who are food insecure — simply knowing where their next meal will come from often remains uncertain.
But every other Thursday, fresh hope arrives in a box at three community centers in Sharpstown, Gulfton and Bear Creek. These are all distribution sites for the Common Market Farm-Fresh Box Program — a nonprofit food distributor that Precinct 4 has partnered with to deliver locally grown produce directly to communities.
“Common Market is really making a difference,” said Linda Zepeda, assistant manager at Burnett Bayland Community Center. “People will ride their bikes here or walk in the heat and rain because these boxes are sometimes the only groceries they’ll have until payday.”
New approved funding
On August 7, Harris County Commissioners Court approved an additional million of f to extend the Common Market program. This extension will last through December 2026 and reinforces Commissioner Lesley Briones’ belief that government should work for the people it serves by providing practical, compassionate support to those in need.
on Market is free of charge to residents and operates out of Bayland, Burnett Bayland, and Steve Radack Community Centers. Precinct 4 first began offering the program to community members in 2024
Every other Thursday, residents register for the produce boxes on a first come first serve basis. The first 50 residents to register at each center are invited to pick up their box the following week.
“Our goal is to make sure no one in our community has to struggle alone,” Zepeda said. “If someone is short on groceries, they know they can count on us.”
Fresh lettuce, grains, and fruit aren’t the only things being shared. The program has also built stronger community connections, with neighbors often stopping to trade recipes and check in on one another.
“People will come up to me and say, ‘I made a stew out of the vegetables you gave us,’” Zepeda said. “Nothing is wasted.”
A program that adapts to need
For many residents, the Common Market program offers not just healthy food but flexibility. People come when they need it, skip when they don’t and always know it’s there if times get tough.
“We have our regulars, but I always smile when I don’t recognize someone,” Zepeda said. “That means our regulars are doing OK and don’t need the help right now. But they know that we’ll be here if they need some support.”
According to community center managers, word about Common Market is continuing to spread, making the program more accessible to those who might not otherwise seek help. With this renewed funding secured, the Common Market partnership will be able to continue providing dependable, nutritious, and sustainable options to help Precinct 4 residents live safer lives and build stronger communities.
To find out more about Common Market, visit your local community center or visit Harris County Precinct 4’s website to sign up for a box.