Feeding Texas is taking the fight against hunger to the Texas Capitol
The 88th Texas legislative session is well underway. The Feeding Texas network is advocating for a bold agenda to improve access to food assistance for vulnerable Texans.
Advocate for a hunger-free Texas!
Our team is working proactively with lawmakers in the Texas House and Senate,
and we are excited to announce that all of our network’s priority bills
have been filed for this year’s legislative session.
Join Feeding Texas by advocating for these hunger solutions.
We need your support more than ever to make policy change at the state level.
Increase funding for produce rescue
Texans everywhere are struggling with the rising cost of food, resulting in more Texans seeking emergency food from food banks. That is why the Feeding Texas network is calling on state lawmakers to increase funding for the Surplus Agricultural Products Grant. The Surplus Ag Grant helps food banks rescue surplus or unsellable produce from farmers to provide nutritious food for their communities. In addition to feeding hungry Texans, the funds offset losses for Texas growers and mitigate the impact of food waste on the environment. The program is a win-win-win for Texas!
Take Action: Send a letter to your state legislators urging them to double funding for the Surplus Ag Grant.
Learn More: Read our press release calling on lawmakers to take action to support this priority.
Modernize the SNAP Vehicle Asset Test
Eligibility for SNAP is primarily based on income and family size. Texas also chooses to use a Vehicle Asset Test, which places a limit on the value of the vehicles that a family may own and still qualify for the program. Due to inflation and supply chain challenges, used cars appreciated in value in the past year. As a result, many families that were previously approved for SNAP have had their benefits taken away at recertification. Senate Bill 273 and House Bill 1287 would update the vehicle asset limits and index them to inflation, ensuring families can access the food assistance they need during tough times.
Learn More: Read our press release calling on lawmakers to support SB 273 and HB 1287.
Improve college completion rates by addressing college hunger
Hunger is on the rise on college campuses, as low-income college students juggle rising tuition and higher food costs. Many students drop out as a result. Senate Bill 557 and House Bill 1501 would make certain students enrolled in technical and vocational programs eligible for SNAP, increasing their chances for success.
Learn More: Read our press release announcing bill authors for this legislation.
Streamline SNAP access for Texans re-entering society
Texans face multiple challenges when they leave the criminal justice system, including struggling to afford food. Senate Bill 727 and House Bill 1743 would implement a pre-release SNAP registration process to ensure people exiting the criminal justice system have immediate resources for food upon release.
Take Action: Send a letter to your state senator and representative urging them to pass this crucial legislation.
Learn More: Read our press release announcing bill authors for this legislation.
The Feeding Texas team will be working all session long to get these bills passed. If you are wondering what you can do to help, consider a gift to Feeding Texas today to support our advocacy work.
2023 Legislative Calendar
Wed., Feb. 15 is our virtual Advocacy Day for the Surplus Ag Grant
Send a letter to your legislators
Wed., March 8 is our virtual Advocacy Day for the Vehicle Asset Test bills
Wed., March 22 is our virtual Advocacy Day for the College Hunger bills
Send a letter to your legislators
Wed., April 5 is our virtual Advocacy Day for the Reentry bills
Does someone you know need help?
We all need help sometimes. Grocery prices are higher than ever, and many families are struggling to make ends meet. You can play an important role by letting your loved ones and neighbors know it’s okay to ask for help and sharing where they can find support.