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 aordable 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 reect 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 BUREAUCOMMUNITY IMPACT
31%
51%
40%
“This is our rst step in trying to solve all these dierent problems and equations. ... No one in Hays County should go without a meal,” Hammer said.
69%
49%
60%
SOURCE: CENTRAL TEXAS FOOD BANKCOMMUNITY IMPACT
11
SAN MARCOS BUDA KYLE EDITION
Powered by FlippingBook