Food Insecurity

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.

Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller said last summer, participating sites served more than 13 million meals statewide. Dozens of schools in Central Texas will be offering free meals starting in late May and early June.

The Central Texas Food Bank officially launched its Feeding Futures School Pantry Program at a Del Valle ISD elementary school on Wednesday. The organization hopes to provide 30 meals per student each month.

State agencies said the U.S. Department of Agriculture did not provide enough information in time for Texas to implement the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer Program in 2024.

Portions of the proceeds from more than a dozen businesses will be donated to the longtime haven for Austinites trying to get out of homelessness.

The Texas Legislature is spending $6.6 million over the next two years to cover the cost of breakfast for students who qualify for reduced-price meals. The new funding is going to benefit about 1,800 students in Austin ISD.