Katy ISD families in need can receive $75 grocery gift cards during the 2026 holiday season through the district's Food for Families program, which began accepting donations in early October.

The annual drive has collected more than $600,000 over its 19-year history, as first reported by Katy Magazine. Partners in Education, the Katy ISD department that runs the program, uses the money to buy grocery store gift cards for families identified by school counselors. A campus staff member delivers each card along with a note from the Katy ISD community.

The numbers are significant. In fall 2025, the program raised $39,179, served 665 families and reached all 76 Katy ISD campuses. Each family received a $75 gift card.

Karen Lewis, executive director of community partnerships for Katy ISD Partners in Education, told Katy Magazine that for a struggling family, the $75 "can mean breakfast when school is out … or simply one less thing to worry about."

In summer 2025, Partners in Education expanded the program to include middle and high school families alongside elementary students. The gift cards help cover meals during winter and summer breaks when school cafeterias are closed.

Katy ISD promoted the drive on X on Wednesday, Sept. 30, and Friday, Oct. 2, directing followers to the donation page.

How to donate

A $75 donation feeds one family. Other tiers: $150 feeds two families, $375 feeds five and $750 feeds 10.

Donations can be made online through the Katy ISD Partners in Education website or by check payable to "Katy ISD Food for Families," mailed to Partners in Education, Katy ISD ESC, 6301 South Stadium Lane, Katy, TX 77494.

Every Katy ISD campus participates. No closing date for the 2026 holiday drive has been announced.

Upcoming community dates

Food for Families donations remain open through the fall at katyisd.org. Residents can learn more about Partners in Education programs, including KEYS Mentoring and Dine Out to Donate, on the district's Partners in Education page.