The Dallas-Fort Worth area is experiencing a growing divide between economic growth and the number of families struggling to put food on the table. More than 6 million Texans are facing hunger, an 11% increase from previous years, according to new data cited by North Texas food banks.
Hunger Crisis Hits Children Hardest
The largest increase has been among children, with one in four Texas children not knowing where their next meal is coming from. At Metrocrest Services in Carrollton, Adwoa Kwofie searched through fresh produce while working to stretch her family’s grocery budget. Recently unemployed, Kwofie said she never expected to rely on a food pantry but now depends on it to help feed her twins healthy meals.
Food bank leaders said stories like Kwofie’s are becoming increasingly common. Trisha Cunningham, president and CEO of North Texas Food Bank, said food insecurity is growing much faster than the state’s population, underscoring the need for continued community support.
Leaders with the North Texas Food Bank and Metrocrest Services said they want families to seek help before they reach a crisis. Advocates also expressed concern that federal changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, benefits could push even more Texans into uncertainty.
Original reporting: Dallas TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
