How many Texans are hungry? A detailed look at food insecurity in Texas

January 13, 2026 •

3 min read

According to Feeding Texas, over 5.3 million Texans currently face food insecurity, a figure that makes the state a national leader in this metric. The question of how many Texans are hungry reflects a complex challenge, driven by economic pressures and systemic issues that affect millions of families, children, and seniors across the state.

Quick Summary

Over 5 million Texans experience food insecurity, including a disproportionately high percentage of children and seniors. Factors like rising costs, low wages, and limited food access contribute to the crisis, which is addressed by a network of food banks and federal assistance programs.

Key Points

Texas Leads the Nation: With a food insecurity rate of 17.6% in 2024, Texas has the highest number of food insecure individuals in the country.
Children and Seniors at High Risk: In Texas, 1 in 5 children and 13.6% of seniors face food insecurity, marking the state's senior hunger rate as the highest nationally.
Economic Factors are Driving Hunger: Rising costs of living, low-wage jobs, and the end of pandemic relief measures are key contributors to food insecurity.
Access is a Major Challenge: Disparities exist in both rural and urban areas, where many residents lack easy access to affordable, healthy food.
A Network of Aid Exists: A robust network of food banks, along with federal programs like SNAP and community initiatives, provides vital assistance to millions of Texans.

Despite its thriving economy, Texas grapples with a persistent and escalating food insecurity crisis. The sheer number of residents who struggle to access nutritious food is a sobering reality that affects communities in every corner of the state, from bustling metropolises to vast rural regions. While the scale of the issue is significant, numerous organizations and programs are dedicated to helping those in need and addressing the root causes of hunger.

Texas Hunger Statistics: A Sobering Reality

Recent data from sources like Feeding America and Feeding Texas paint a clear picture of the state's food insecurity problem. The statistics reveal not only the breadth of the issue but also the segments of the population that are most vulnerable.

Overall Statewide Numbers

For the second consecutive year, Texas leads the nation in the number of people facing food insecurity. In 2024, the state's food insecurity rate reached 17.6%, affecting approximately 5.4 million individuals. This is an increase from the 16.4% rate in 2022. Major urban areas, such as Dallas-Fort Worth, have some of the highest numbers of food-insecure individuals nationally. Houston and Harris County also reported high rates, with 39% of households experiencing food insecurity in August 2025.

Impact on Children and Seniors

Children and the elderly are particularly susceptible to food insecurity. In 2024, the child food insecurity rate in Texas was 22.2%, meaning about 1.67 million children. Texas also has the highest rate of senior food insecurity in the nation, with 13.6% of seniors at risk, facing challenges like health issues, fixed incomes, and isolation.

Key Factors Contributing to Texas Food Insecurity

Several factors contribute to hunger in Texas.

The Economic Squeeze

Economic pressures are a major cause, with low wages, rising costs, and the end of pandemic aid straining household budgets. Many families must choose between food and other necessities.

Geographic Disparities and Access

Limited access to affordable, healthy food is a significant issue, especially in rural areas and low-income urban neighborhoods with food deserts.

Comparison Table: Texas vs. National Food Insecurity

Here is a comparison of Texas and national food insecurity rates.


Metric	Texas (2024)	National (2023)	Source(s)
All Household Food Insecurity Rate	17.6%	13.5%	,
Households with Children Food Insecurity Rate	22.2%	17.9%	,
Senior Food Insecurity Rate	13.6% (Highest in nation)	N/A (Implied lower)

How Organizations Are Combating Hunger

Organizations and programs are working to address the crisis.

Feeding Texas: A network of 20 food banks coordinates resources and advocates for policy changes across all 254 counties.
Federal Aid Programs: SNAP, TEFAP, and WIC provide essential support to eligible Texans.
Community-Based Initiatives: Local food banks and volunteers run mobile pantries and distribution events.

How to Help in the Fight Against Hunger

Individuals can contribute to hunger relief.

Donate: Monetary donations help food banks purchase food efficiently.
Volunteer: Food banks need volunteers to help with sorting, packing, and distribution.
Advocate: Supporting policy changes that strengthen anti-hunger programs can address root causes.

Conclusion: Collective Action for a Food-Secure Texas

Addressing how many Texans are hungry requires collective action. Understanding the issue, its causes, and supporting organizations can help work toward a future where everyone has access to nutritious food. For more information, visit the Feeding Texas website.

Frequently Asked Questions

In 2024, approximately 5.4 million Texans, or 17.6% of the state's population, were food insecure, an increase from the previous year.

High rates are caused by a combination of factors, including the high cost of living, low wages, lack of affordable housing, and the expiration of pandemic-era relief programs.

Texas's 2024 food insecurity rate of 17.6% is significantly higher than the 2023 national average of 13.5%.

In 2024, the child food insecurity rate in Texas was 22.2%, meaning roughly 1 in 5 children faced hunger. This impacts about 1.67 million children.

Yes, Texas has the highest rate of senior food insecurity in the nation, with 13.6% of seniors at risk of hunger.

A network of 20 food banks under Feeding Texas, supported by federal programs like SNAP and community-based initiatives, provides assistance and advocates for policy changes.

You can help by donating food or funds to local food banks, volunteering at distribution events, and advocating for public policy solutions at the state and federal level.