New data highlights pending legislation in Congress that could provide millions of meals
Source: Feeding Texas
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One in seven Texans (13.7%) went hungry or faced the threat of hunger between 2019 and 2021, according to a report released today by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
“Far too many Texans are still seeing the impact of the pandemic and food inflation on their dinner tables,” said Celia Cole, CEO of Feeding Texas. “We need our leaders to invest in proven solutions so we can push back on hunger.”
The data come as Feeding Texas kicks off Hunger Action Month, thirty days of advocacy and education to raise awareness about hunger.
1.5 million Texas households were found to be facing hunger, more than any other state. The numbers were statistically unchanged from last year’s report, demonstrating the positive impact of pandemic-related investments in programs like SNAP and the child tax credit.
Today’s data follow a separate Feeding America study that disaggregated hunger statistics by race and ethnicity. That study found that 1 in 4 Black Texans, and 1 in 5 Latino Texans faced the threat of hunger versus 1 in 14 White Texans.
Children are also more likely to face hunger, which can have lifelong consequences. In Texas, one in five children live in a food insecure home, according to Feeding America.
“That’s a sad statistic, but the good news is that we have the tools to solve hunger in Texas,” said Cole. “Hunger-fighting programs like school meals are available and should be strengthened to support more equitable outcomes in our state.”
The Child Nutrition Act, originally signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson, is currently awaiting reauthorization by Congress. Texas leaders including Senator John Cornyn, Congressman Joaquin Castro and Congresswoman Mayra Flores have key roles to play on this legislation based on their committee assignments.
Feeding Texas is urging Congress to strengthen child nutrition programs, including:
- Expanding authority for schools to offer free meals to all kids (known as “community eligibility”)
- Making permanent a summer food program that works on an electronic card, like SNAP
- Expanding and modernizing the Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants & Children (WIC)
View the full USDA report here.