CASE STUDY
Humanizing Help: Houston Food Bank & DLG Research Elevate Support for LGBTQ+ Seniors
About
Houston Food Bank (HFB), the largest food bank in the U.S., partnered with DLG Research to deepen understanding of food insecurity among LGBTQ+ seniors. By taking a human-centered approach, DLG helped HFB uncover the overlooked emotional and cultural barriers that can stand between vulnerable seniors and vital resources—empowering the food bank to strengthen its role as an ally, not just a service provider, within this diverse community.
Wins
- Reached and engaged hard-to-access LGBTQ+ senior groups, surfacing authentic insights into their lived experiences and practical obstacles.
- Delivered actionable guidance that allowed HFB to reframe its communications and reposition itself as an empathetic, trusted ally for seniors facing food insecurity.
- Empowered HFB staff and volunteers with strategies to foster dignity, empathy, and connection for those seeking support—not just food or benefits.
Challenge
How can Houston Food Bank more effectively connect with and support LGBTQ+ seniors who are navigating food insecurity, ensuring that the path to assistance—such as SNAP and food pantries—restores dignity and fosters trust, while responding authentically to cultural and social nuances?
Solution
DLG Research implemented a culturally sensitive, human-first research process utilizing bilingual, empathy-driven focus groups with LGBTQ+ seniors from urban, suburban, and rural settings. Moderators cultivated a safe environment for honest conversations about food access, dignity, and the experience of seeking help. This methodology, grounded in qualitative field research, revealed the unique emotional and systemic obstacles these seniors face—without exposing individual identities or confidential data.
Client Profile
Houston Food Bank is a nonprofit leader in hunger relief, supporting a diverse spectrum of communities throughout greater Houston. In partnership with organizations like AARP, HFB is committed to tackling food insecurity wherever it exists—meeting individuals with empathy, respect, and culturally attuned solutions
Key Finding
Restoring dignity and fostering trust are as vital as providing food and resources—when seniors feel genuinely seen, heard, and respected, they are more likely to access and benefit from support systems like Houston Food Bank.
Results
Tillamook emerged from the engagement with a data-driven, culturally attuned roadmap for market entry and growth. With clarity on regional preferences, brand differentiation, and opportunities for product adaptation, the brand is now equipped to connect with diverse Texan audiences, strengthen its presence in the food industry, and advance its reputation for consumer insights-driven innovation—without compromising confidential knowledge or unique methodologies.
DLG Research’s Value Add
- Extensive expertise engaging historically marginalized and multicultural audiences with authenticity and respect.
- Customized, bilingual research design that surfaces “voice of the customer” insights for more inclusive brand building.
- Actionable results delivered at the speed of mission: clear, empathetic strategies that can be implemented quickly for maximum impact.
- Ongoing partnership that continually reinforces HFB’s reputation as a trusted, culturally mindful community leader.
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