New local survey results outline how food insecurity in Houston and Harris County intersects with health conditions, insurance coverage, and access to care.
The data is based on a spring 2024 survey of over 5,200 residents conducted by the Center for Community and Public Health at Rice University’s Kinder Institute.
The survey data show that food insecurity continues to affect a significant share of households in Houston and Harris County, with two in five reporting difficulty consistently accessing nutritious food.
Researchers compared health outcomes among food-secure and food-insecure households to better understand how limited food access relates to overall well-being and interactions with the health care system.
Food insecurity was closely linked to poorer physical health. Residents in food-insecure households were more likely to report chronic conditions, lack insurance coverage, and delay needed medical care. These patterns were especially common among lower-income residents and Hispanic households.
While the survey reflects conditions in early 2024, many families have since faced additional strain due to recent reductions in SNAP benefits and temporary furloughs during the federal government shutdown.
In Harris County alone, more than 640,000 people rely on SNAP benefits.
KPRC 2 has compiled a list of food assistance resources in the Houston area that offer immediate food relief, meal services, and additional support — without long waitlists or complicated paperwork.
ALSO: Harris County Pct. 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones, in partnership with the nonprofit Feed the Fridge, has launched a new community fridge at Freed Community Center in Houston. The fridge, stocked with fresh meals from local restaurants, aims to address food insecurity in the area. High school student Ayla Patel, who raised $13,000 to bring the program to Houston, worked with Pct. 4 to host the fridge at Freed. On Saturday, Nov. 22, from noon to 1 p.m., a Kids Nutrition Workshop will be held at the center, where families can learn about healthy eating and sign up for the program.