Food Insecurity

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission began dispensing partial SNAP payments on Monday. Some families have received benefits, but many families are hanging in the balance or have received far less than usual.

Austin-area businesses, churches and nonprofits are offering free meals to help people affected by the delays. Here’s where to get help if you need it and help others if you can.

Each pantry will feature healthy groceries, snacks and hygiene products. All items will be available to students, faculty and staff for free.

The meals are provided through the Community Eligibility Provision, a federally funded program that provides free food to schools in low-income areas.

The Republican leader cited concerns about federal funding for the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer program. The decision is a setback for struggling families and anti-hunger advocates.

Texas is one of about a dozen states that won't be participating in a federal program that provides families with $120 per eligible child to buy groceries while school is out.

While Texas missed the Jan. 1 deadline to confirm whether it will participate in the federal food assistance program, federal officials say there’s still time to get on board. Summer EBT could bring nearly $18 million in aid to families in the Austin area if the state launches the program.

Texas was one of 13 states last year that did not participate in a new federal program providing eligible families with $120 per child over the summer to help pay for groceries while school is out. The state must say whether it plans to participate in the Summer EBT program by Jan. 1.

More than half of families with school-aged children faced food insecurity over the last year. Parents also said concerns over whether they can afford nutritious food for their households is taking a toll on their mental health.

The Hays County Food Bank is relocating to a bigger space to accommodate the growing need for its services. The food bank expects to distribute more food this year than ever before.