December 16, 2014 - Beginning at 9:30 a.m. TOMORROW (Wednesday, Dec. 17), Houston police officers and dozens of volunteers will begin packing food supplies to be distributed to those less fortunate this holiday season for the department's annual "Comida" (Food in Spanish) Drive.

The packing is taking place at the Pepsi Bottling Group Inc. Plant at 9300 La Porte Freeway. Photos of last year's packing efforts are attached to this media alert.

Thanks to the generosity of the Houston community, food and monetary donations were collected by HPD officers stationed at Fiesta Mart locations throughout Houston during HPD's 29th annual "Comida" Drive. Citizens throughout Houston gave a record number of donations this year that will allow HPD to be able to feed more than 3,500 Houston families with a box of food this holiday season.

On Saturday (Dec. 20) the distribution of the food will be given to churches that pre-registered to participate in the program.

The Comida Drive began 29 years ago, in December 1985, with an officer's concern for the less fortunate citizens of Houston. That began what is now one of the largest food drives in the city of Houston. During its first year, approximately 600 families received a box of non-perishable food. Each donated box feeds a family of four a holiday meal.

Special thanks to the sponsors of this annual food drive: Fiesta Mart, the Pepsi Bottling Group, the Houston Citizens' Police Academy Alumni Association, the Police and Clergy Alliance and the Houston Police Foundation. This year marks the 29th year of partnership with Pepsi and Fiesta.