Food Security
1.8 million Texas children live in households where access to food is limited.
We believe every Texan is worth access to healthy and healthy food.
In a state as great as Texas, no one should have to worry about where they will find their next meal. Over 4 million Texans experience food insecurity, or a difficulty meeting basic food needs. When low-income families struggle to make ends meet – juggling finances to cover rent, utilities, and transportation – they are forced to make hard choices as scarce resources are stretched, increasing the chance that they go hungry.
Texas is home to the highest number of food insecure people in the U.S.
Food insecurity affects children, adults and seniors, and families of all races and ethnicities. However, certain populations are at higher risk for hunger. Data helps us understand the diversity and complexity of the Texan experience, and sharing our data and methods transparently helps build trust, foster collaboration, and empower communities, advocates, and policymakers to make informed decisions that improve the lives of all Texans.
Food Assistance
The Women, Infants & Children (WIC) and Child & Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) serve special populations. WIC serves pregnant women, infants and young children. CACFP serves young children, elderly adults and adults with disabilities who require care. CACFP operates through child care sites, adult day care centers and afterschool programs, while WIC clinics serve pregnant women, infants and young children.
SNAP
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the most widely used federal nutrition program in Texas. Sixty-two percent of SNAP beneficiaries are children.
School Meals
These federal nutrition programs are targeted for children and operate through schools, afterschool programs, churches and other places that serve school-aged children. The Summer Nutrition Programs are the only programs available during the summer, while the other programs operate during the school year.
Related Resources
Data Brief: 2025 Texas SNAP Recipient Profile
June 25, 2025
Data Brief: Food Insecurity in Texas
June 11, 2025
Food Insecurity Is a Texas Crisis
February 18, 2025
Your Support Makes a Difference
We believe Texas can be the best state in the United States, and our public policy work is an indispensable part of getting there. Your support improves equity in health care, food security, education, and financial stability.