Hunger Action Month highlights food insecurity across Texas

TEXAS – Texas food banks have partnered with the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) to recognize Hunger Action Month in September.

TDA says the latest Map the Meal Gap study shows that 19.4% of Texans experience food insecurity.

According to the same study, the food insecurity rate is 20.6% in Victoria and as high as 23.3% in some surrounding counties.

“For more than two decades, TDA and Texas food banks have worked side by side to ensure nutritious food reaches families in every corner of the Lone Star State,” Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller said. “During Hunger Action Month, I encourage Texans to support their local food banks by volunteering, donating and raising awareness. When Texans come together, we can strengthen our communities and make sure our neighbors have the resources they need.”

Texans Feeding Texans, a surplus agricultural products grant program established in 2001, has helped feed Texans while reducing food waste. Through the program, Texas-grown agricultural products are distributed to food banks and other organizations that serve communities across the state.

TDA also administers USDA Commodity Distribution Programs, including The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) and the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP). These programs provide food assistance to Texans through a network of local food banks and partner agencies.

These partnerships between food banks and TDA help strengthen Texas’ food assistance network and expand resources available to Texans experiencing economic hardship.

“Food banks are seeing increasing demand from Texans who are working hard but still struggling to afford groceries alongside rising housing, utilities, healthcare and other living expenses,” Feeding Texas CEO Celia Cole said. “Hunger Action Month reminds us that hunger touches every community and that every Texan can play a role in addressing it. Whether someone volunteers, donates, advocates or simply starts a conversation, those actions add up and help build a stronger network of support.”

Texans are also encouraged to join the effort by volunteering at their local food bank. Crossroads-area residents can volunteer at the Golden Crescent Food Bank Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to noon and from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The organization also needs volunteers on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month from 8 a.m. to noon. Interested individuals can complete a volunteer application online.

Food and monetary donations are also ways to support Hunger Action Month. Golden Crescent Food Bank, Meals on Wheels South Texas, The Salvation Army, United Way of the Crossroads and Christ’s Kitchen all work to combat hunger in the Crossroads area and welcome donations and volunteers.