Facing Hunger in Austin: A Community in Need

Austin is a city known for its vibrant culture, booming tech scene, and rapid growth. Yet, beneath the surface, a significant portion of our community faces a daily struggle: food insecurity.

The Reality of Hunger in Our City

As of 2024, approximately 16.2% of Travis County residents—over 158,000 people—experience food insecurity, lacking reliable access to sufficient, nutritious food . This issue disproportionately affects low-income families, children, and seniors. In fact, 1 in 5 children in Central Texas are food insecure, highlighting the urgent need for community support .

Contributing Factors

Several factors contribute to the high rates of food insecurity in Austin:

• Rising Cost of Living: The city’s rapid growth has led to increased housing and living expenses, making it challenging for many families to afford basic necessities.

• Limited Access to Nutritious Food: Many neighborhoods, especially in North Lamar and Rundberg, are considered food deserts, lacking nearby grocery stores with healthy food options .

• Transportation Barriers: Inadequate public transit options make it difficult for residents in underserved areas to access food resources .

A Community Response

In response to this pressing issue, local organizations and community members are stepping up:

• Feeding Hands: Our mobile food outreach program delivers hot, nutritious meals directly to underserved communities in Austin, aiming to alleviate hunger and build connections.

• Central Texas Food Bank: This organization provides food assistance to thousands of individuals and families, advocating for policies to reduce food insecurity .

• City Initiatives: Austin’s first-ever Food Plan, approved in 2024, aims to create a more equitable and sustainable food system, focusing on increasing local food production and reducing waste .

How You Can Help

Addressing food insecurity requires a collective effort. Here’s how you can contribute:

• Volunteer: Join Feeding Hands in preparing and distributing meals to those in need.

• Donate: Financial contributions help us expand our reach and serve more communities.

• Advocate: Raise awareness about food insecurity issues and support policies aimed at creating a more equitable food system.

Together, we can make a difference in the lives of our neighbors facing hunger.