The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) remains a cornerstone program to the food safety net millions of Texans rely on. In 2024, 3.47 million Texans (11.4% of the state population) relied on SNAP to help afford groceries. Even with this essential government program, food insecurity remains widespread in Texas; 17.6% of Texans and more than 22% of Texas children experienced food insecurity last year.
This data dashboard offers a snapshot of SNAP usage across the state, breaking down participation by county and demographic characteristics. The data reveal a troubling gap between need and access to assistance, as food insecurity continues to rise while enrollment declines. These findings also counter harmful myths, showing that many SNAP recipients are people and families who are working, but just aren’t earning enough to meet basic needs. From low-wage jobs to inconsistent hours, employment alone is not always enough to guarantee food security. Households receiving SNAP have an average median income of $33,000, which is less than half of what the households not receiving benefits are making. This stark gap underscores the ongoing financial strain that makes nutrition assistance not a choice, but a necessity for millions of Texans.
Understanding where SNAP is most heavily relied on helps shape more equitable policy and resource allocation. Explore the full dashboard to view regional trends, demographic data, and potential policy gaps that must be addressed to strengthen SNAP and ensure it serves every Texan.
