Although the longest ever government shutdown is over and the federal government is funded through January, a variety of factors still threaten food security for North Texans this winter.  

New work requirements, which went into effect November 1, along with other SNAP restrictions and requirements, could impede food access to hundreds of thousands of individuals and families who rely on these benefits. During the implementation of these new requirements and other restrictions, it will be critical to understand what is required to avoid any further disruption of these critical benefits.  

Read on to learn more about the state of hunger in North Texas and how United Way of Metropolitan Dallas is working to improve food security across our region. 

Food Insecurity Is Impacting North Texas Families 

The reduction in SNAP funding is especially challenging in Texas, which is the second most food insecure state in the nation, with nearly 5.1 million Texans at risk of hunger. One in six households in the Lone Star State experiences food insecurity. Many of these folks rely on SNAP benefits to bridge the gap between paychecks, get them through a financial emergency, supplement low wages and simply make ends meet.  

In Dallas County alone, 416,000 people rely on SNAP benefits. Across the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas service area, up to 10% of households receive SNAP benefits.  

Feeding America’s “Elevating Voices: Insights Report,” released earlier this fall, provides a snapshot of the reality of hunger in the United States. A majority surveyed fell between the ages of 30-44, live in metropolitan areas of the South, and are White homeowners. Survey respondents referenced high costs of food continuing to strain household budgets, causing 52% to run out of food in the last year and 28% to run out of food in the last month. 

Hunger takes a significant toll on both physical and mental health and can be particularly harmful for our youngest Texans. That’s why improving food security is key to our mission to expand access to education, income and health—the building blocks of opportunity.  

As policy and debate around SNAP benefits continue to evolve, our team will keep a close eye on how these changes will impact our North Texas neighbors at risk of food insecurity. 

Together, We Can End Hunger in North Texas  

At United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, our focus areas—education, income and health—are inextricably linked to food security. We address the root causes of hunger and advocate for improved food accessibility as we drive progress toward our Aspire United 2030 goals.   

We lead and invest in innovative programs that support communities and families and address challenges like food insecurity. We partner with dozens of local school districts, nonprofits and other community-based entities to provide nutritious food to hard-working families throughout the year.  

For example, through Southern Dallas Thrives, United Way and our partners expand food access in this historically underserved area of our region. By tapping organizations from our network of 50 community partners in Southern Dallas, last year we distributed 180,000+ pounds of food dispersed to southern sector families and community-based organizations. This initiative includes supplying local pantries, schools and markets; hosting community-based grocery pop-ups; and delivering nutritious meals directly to residents.  

Meanwhile, through our food access programming and advocacy work, we support summer meals programs as they provide millions of meals and supplemental programming to local children when school is out. These programs are run by local school districts, such as Dallas and Garland ISDs, and local nonprofit organizations such as North Texas Food Bank and Equal Heart.  

Volunteer to Support Food Access in North Texas  

United Way of Metropolitan Dallas offers multiple opportunities to support families who are food insecure. Visit our volunteer page to explore our latest volunteer opportunities in partnership with local food pantries and food banks. Also, sign up for our Advocacy Alerts and Policy in Brief newsletter, and join us as we advocate to ensure that all North Texans can thrive. 

In Need of Assistance? 

If you’re hungry and need nutritious, free food, call 2-1-1 for the latest information on the SNAP program and to connect with food resources from local food banks, food pantries and other community resources. Or, click here for our up-to-date list of local food resources and information.