Hunger in Texas
Texas has the highest food insecurity population in the nation, over 6 million Texans facing food insecurity. The rate of food insecurity in Texas has risen from 17.6% to 19.4% since last year’s report. Currently, 1 in 5 households in Texas are food insecure.
Children and Food Insecurity
26.1%, or 1 in 4 Texas children, experience hunger. Hunger deprives kids of more than just food. For a child to reach their full potential, it’s critical they get the nutrition and food they need. Childhood hunger is linked to poor academic performance, increased health problems, and developmental differences. Texas kids deserve to be kids and that’s why we’re focused on getting them the food they need to thrive.
Seniors and Food Insecurity
Texas has the highest rate of senior food insecurity in the nation with 15.1% of Texas seniors at risk for hunger. Seniors face unique challenges in the fight against hunger, such as health conditions, transportation problems, fixed income and social isolation. Food insecurity for seniors can also have drastic impacts on their health and result in high medical costs for them and our medical system. After a lifetime of hard work, many seniors find themselves facing an impossible choice — to buy groceries or afford medical care.
Rural Texans and Food Insecurity
While hunger exists in every Texas county, rural Texans often face higher rates of food insecurity. It’s often harder for rural Texans to access nutritious and affordable foods. The unique challenges of living remotely such as lack of transportation, low wages and underemployment contribute to higher levels of food insecurity. Our food banks often rely on mobile distributions to help get food to hard-to-reach communities.
Latino Communities
In Texas, 1 in 4 Latinos are experiencing food insecurity. The overall food insecurity rate for Latinos in Texas is 24%.
Black Communities
More than 1 in 3 of Black Texans face food insecurity. Overall food insecurity rate rising to 34% from 31% in the previous year. Nationally, Black children are twice as likely to experience hunger.
Latest News
September 29, 2026
Hunger Action Day: Texas leaders call for action to protect SNAP
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September 1, 2026
Texas Food Banks Partner with TDA for Annual Hunger Action Month
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Get Involved
Learn more about how you can get involved in ending hunger in Texas.