Food Insecurity

Data shared by the state during stakeholder meetings reveals Texas' backlog of Medicaid applications grew by more than 209,000 between January and August – while the backlog for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, grew by more than 146,000. Advocates and state officials said new SNAP accuracy requirements might be the cause.

Rising food costs are hitting some of the most vulnerable Texans — including seniors living on fixed incomes. The food assistance nonprofit Feeding Texas has seen an increase in seniors seeking support over the past year. Meanwhile, KERA's Abigail Ruhman reports federal changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program could be causing a significant backlog of Medicaid and SNAP applications in the state.

Rising grocery and fuel prices, immigration enforcement fears and the scaling back of SNAP benefits are among the factors advocates are concerned are contributing to the trend.

Judge Phillip Hays with the 99th District Court has recused himself from the lawsuit filed by Texas Tech quarterback Brendon Sorsby against the NCAA, after the NCAA declared Sorsby ineligible to play while they investigate accusations of online sports betting that violates the NCAA’s anti-gambling rules. From April 2025 to April 2026, nearly half a million Texans lost SNAP eligibility, according to data from the Texas Department of Health and Human Services. Our Samantha Larned reports federal changes to SNAP in 2025 could put financial pressure on the states.

Advocates say the federal government's new work requirements and immigration crackdown has limited food stamp participation. The state says the recent decline is part of normal fluctuations in enrollment.

Some close watchers of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's budget aren't thrilled with the Trump administration's proposal — but they're hopeful some of the suggested cuts won't make it in the final spending plans passed by Congress.

Texas has a 91% Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, accuracy rate — which could mean the state will be responsible for more than $700 million in benefits costs. If Texas has to cover part of the benefits costs, it would be the first time since the program started in the 1960s.

Locals share food with their neighbors through Sliger's Market

The National Weather Service has announced that a Fire Weather Watch is in effect from noon until 9 p.m. today for the South Plains region. Our reporter Bishop Van Buren has more on how a warm and dry winter contributed to increased fire risk this spring. Starting today, Texas won't allow people to SNAP benefits to purchase “candy” and “sweetened drinks.” KERA’s Abigail Ruhman reports that retailers have spent months preparing for the restrictions.

Starting April 1, Texans will no longer be allowed to use food stamps to buy sweetened beverages and candy.