food insecurity

Nearly 1.4 million North Texans experienced limited or uncertain food access in 2024, according to Feeding America’s Mind the Meal Gap.

Mi Barrio 214, an art gallery in the Southeast Dallas community of Pleasant Grove, recently closed after its building was sold. Founder Viktor Ortiz is assessing and what next steps to take.

The growing community need comes at time when the nonprofit has opened 13 cooling centers across the region.

Food insecurity gets worse in the summer, when many North Texas kids lose access to the dependable meals they get at school. But the food programs that fill the gap are also struggling with rising costs.

Mounting financial pressure and a downturn in donations is potentially jeopardizing the future of the Inspired Vision Compassion Center in Pleasant Grove.

Advocates say the federal government’s new work requirements and immigration crackdown has limited food stamp participation. The state says the recent decline is part of normal fluctuations in enrollment.

Texas has a 91% Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, accuracy rate — which could mean the state will be responsible for more than $700 million in benefits costs. If Texas has to cover part of the benefits costs, it would be the first time since the program started in the 1960s.

New restrictions on federal food stamp benefits include banning sweetened drinks and candy.

JFS Dallas opened a 100,000 square-foot campus in Addison to provide comprehensive services to an "medically underserved area." JFS Dallas' CEO said the location could be the first community health center in North Texas to have comprehensive services on site.

Starting April 1, Texans won't be able to use their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, benefits to purchase "candy or sweetened drinks." Texas retailers and nonprofits have spent month preparing for the new restrictions — but some recipients may not know until they're checking out at the store.

The center will provide child care services, health care screenings and workforce development support to neighbors of the food bank.

Last year, Gov. Greg Abbott vetoed funding for a summer food assistance program despite Texas’s high rates of food insecurity, citing concerns over matching federal funds. Advocates want the state to reconsider, highlighting concerns about how food insecurity rates are expected to increase when students are on summer break.