Food insecurity in North Texas grew at a rate significantly faster than its population expansion over the last two years, according to data released Tuesday by Feeding America. The Mind the Meal Gap report indicates that within the Tarrant Area Food Bank’s 13-county service area, the number of people facing food scarcity increased by 35% from 2023 to 2024.
During that same window, the regional population rose by just 10%.
Nearly 1.4 million residents in North Texas experienced food insecurity in 2024. The USDA defines this condition as a household-level economic and social situation involving limited or uncertain access to adequate food. The data also highlights sharp increases among vulnerable demographics, with over 506,000 children and 294,500 seniors facing hunger in the region last year.
Julie Butner, president and CEO of the Tarrant Area Food Bank, described the disparity between hunger growth and population growth as disturbing and unique to certain communities. She noted that while different areas face distinct challenges, the overall trend points upward across both rural and urban zones.
Trisha Cunningham, who leads the North Texas Food Bank, confirmed that scarcity is rising across the combined 25-county region served by both agencies.
The study’s figures do not capture the immediate impact of last year’s federal government shutdown, which temporarily suspended benefits for approximately 3.47 million Texans enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Cunningham stated that her organization had already observed these needs during the pause and continues to see increases today.
Butner attributed part of the strain to recent changes in federal policy, specifically The One Big Beautiful Bill Act. According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, this legislation ended eligibility for some individuals with lawful immigration statuses, added work requirements, and removed exemptions for homeless individuals, veterans, and former foster youth.
