TEXAS (KXAN) — More Texans are struggling to afford groceries and access nutritionally-dense food now compared to last year, according to polling commissioned by the organization No Kid Hungry Texas.
More than 1,100 people were polled in July as part of the analysis. The poll found more than three-quarters of Texas adults polled had more difficulties paying for groceries this year compared to the past year. The report added rural Texans and families were the two populations that struggled the most with grocery affordability.
"We found that more than three-quarters, so about 77% of Texas adults, are having a hard time affording groceries than they were a year ago, citing that the cost of food is actually rising faster than their income," said Mia Medina, a senior program manager with No Kid Hungry Texas.
That 77% figure is up from 2023's polling analysis, which found 73% of Texas adults struggled with food costs.
Coinciding with food cost concerns, No Kid Hungry Texas' findings revealed 28% of respondents in the Austin area exhibited food insecurity symptoms. Medina said those symptoms could range from barren pantries to families eating cheaper and more limited varieties of food instead.
Alongside food insecurity often comes a decrease in nutritionally dense food, Medina said. The poll reported roughly half (49%) of all respondents bought fewer or no protein sources, while 43% purchased less or no fresh produce.
When looking at specific population trends, No Kid Hungry Texas found parents and caregivers with children in K-12 who have annual incomes under $50,000 are particularly susceptible of foregoing on healthier food options for more affordable ones.
With the next regular Texas legislative session mere months away, Medina said No Kid Hungry Texas will be advocating for the implementation of a summer electronic benefit transfer (EBT) program in summer 2025 and beyond. The national program aims to minimize summertime hunger and food access gaps by offering grocery benefits to families with children who are eligible for free and reduced-price meals, she added.
"This program can help offset those increased grocery costs that families are facing in the absence of school meals during the summertime," Medina said.
