San Marcos - Buda - Kyle Edition | March 2025

Government

BY JAMIE MOORE

Hays County commissioners review food insecurity report

Food insecure residents A 2024 community food needs assessment by the Central Texas Food Bank found that 38,927 of Hays County's 241,067 residents are food insecure.

Food insecure survey responses A survey was conducted by the Central Texas Food Bank focusing on food insecurity in Hays County as a part of a community food needs assessment. No Yes

After a yearlong collaboration between the Hays County Health Department and the Central Texas Food Bank, or CTFB, the Hays County Commis- sioners received a presentation on a food needs assessment from CTFB at its Feb. 11 meeting. The overview The Hays County Community Food Needs Assessment found that the county has a 15.9% food insecurity rate and a 12.9% poverty rate. The report highlights that one in six Hays County residents experience food insecurity, with many more likely facing barriers to accessing a‚ordable and nutritious food. Hays County has lower rates of food insecurity compared to Central Texas as a whole, despite having a slightly higher poverty rate. Precinct 3 Commissioner Morgan Hammer said that seeing the data re†ect how many people are impacted by food insecurity in Hays County is pivotal.

Older Adults (60+) Children (Under 18)

5,071 10,728

Skipped or cut the size of meals

Relied on food assistance

Went hungry because food was too expensive

40%

42%

48%

Adults

23,128

60%

58%

52%

Household member with a chronic illness

Have a high school degree or less

Own a home

SOURCE: CENTRAL TEXAS FOOD BANK COMMUNITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT, U.S. CENSUS BUREAU‘COMMUNITY IMPACT

31%

51%

40%

“This is our ˆrst step in trying to solve all these di‚erent problems and equations. ... No one in Hays County should go without a meal,” Hammer said.

69%

49%

60%

SOURCE: CENTRAL TEXAS FOOD BANK‘COMMUNITY IMPACT

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SAN MARCOS  BUDA  KYLE EDITION

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