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 Food Policy and the Texas Legislature

Many Texan families struggle to afford food, and one in four Texan children are at risk for hunger. At the same time

more Texans are obese than ever before, and the health costs associated with obesity-related diseases and chronicconditions are soaring. Hunger and obesity are two sides of the same coin: Processed and high-calorie foods are

often the cheapest source of food for Texans. The Texas Legislature should ensure that all Texans have access to an

affordable and nutritious diet.

Texas has the third highest rate of families at risk for 

hunger in the nation. Food insecurity affects all of us;it is estimated that hunger costs the nation more than

$9 billion annually for the costs of charity, illness, andlowered productivity. Food policy advocates identify

four areas where change can greatly benefit Texaswith minimal cost to the state:

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance

Program) Formerly “food stamps,” SNAP food benefits are

designed to help low-income Texans buy healthyfood. Currently, only about half of eligible Texans

receive benefits. SNAP benefits are 100 percent

federally funded, but it is the state’s responsibility tomake sure resources reach those in need.

Summer Food Programs 

Many children who are eligible for free or reduced

lunch meal prices go without nutritious food duringthe summer. This deprivation and the deprivation of 

organized activities create a “learning gap” that sets

many school children back during the followingschool year. Summer Food Programs offer children at

least one meal per day during the months they are notin school. Summer food sites are often schools,community centers, or churches.

Obesity Prevention Childhood obesity is one of Texas’ fastest growinghealth challenges. While this crisis is impacting each

and every segment of our society, children in our 

 poorest communities and minority populations areaffected the most.

Sustainable Food Systems To provide healthy, affordable food for all, Texas

needs a sustainable food production system including

robust local production. Strengthening our agricultureand other food production systems is part of a

comprehensive, statewide approach to health and

economic security.

Food Legislation Passed During the 82nd

 

Legislature

• HB 2994 (Miles/Estes) supports innovative urban

farming technologies and researchadvancements through loans.

• SB 89 (Lucio/Rodriguez) increases the number of children served by expanded the Summer Food

Service Program.• SB 226 (Nelson, Todd Smith) provides Texas

Education Agency (TEA) with information about

students’ fitness exams. TEA can use this data to

develop better policies and curriculum for all Texan

students.• HB 710 (Walle, Deuell) makes it easier for people

who need SNAP benefits to receive them and

decreases the burden on eligibility offices.

How can the Legislature strengthen Texas food

policy in 2013?

•  Improve the quality of meals served in childcare

centers and schools.•  Increase access to food assistance and nutrition

education to give families the resources they needto make better food choices.

•  Make affordable, fresh, and health food moreaccessible to low-income communities through

expansion of supermarket availability, farmers’markets and community gardens.

The Texas Food Policy Roundtable (TFPR) is a broad- based group of Texas leaders working to develop,

coordinate, and improve the implementation of food policy

to address hunger and promote equitable, sustainable, and

healthy food in Texas. Visit TFPR at www.txfoodpolicy.or

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