Hunger Action Month is a nationwide movement and together, here in Central Texas, it’s our time to come together and take action.
Across the 21 counties served by the Central Texas Food Bank, hunger looks different from one neighborhood to the next. In some areas, families live miles from the nearest grocery store. In others, fresh, healthy food is simply too expensive to fit into the budget. For too many of our neighbors, these barriers create a daily reality of uncertainty: Will there be enough food to make it through the week?
Why it matters now
Texas has the second highest rate of food insecurity in the nation, and during Hunger Action Month the Central Texas Food Bank is shining a light on how it impacts our communities. Nearly 17% of Texans lack consistent access to enough food, and our 21-county service area is home to 10% of the state’s food-insecure population.
Hunger doesn’t discriminate. It affects children, older adults, working parents, and students living in cities, suburbs, and rural towns alike. Behind every missed meal are deeper systemic challenges like rising housing costs, inflation, poverty, and limited access to nutritious food.
Food insecurity also signals broader cracks in our food system. When local food production, affordability, and access fall short, communities become more reliant on emergency food, and health outcomes suffer. That’s why our work goes beyond short-term relief to focus on long-term, community-informed solutions.
How you can take action this September
Everyone can make a meaningful impact. This Hunger Action Month, choose one (or more!) of these ways to get involved:
1. Take the SNAP Challenge
Live for one week on the average daily SNAP budget, about $6 per person. This powerful activity helps build empathy for the tough choices millions of families face daily.
2. Do a Pantry Staples Cooking Challenge
Create a meal using only shelf-stable pantry items you already have, then share before-and-after photos online to inspire others.
3. Explore the Central Texas Food System Dashboard
Learn how food is grown, distributed, and accessed in our region at centraltxfoodsystem.org/resources.
4. Volunteer with Central Texas Food Bank for Hunger Action Month
Spend a few hours in our garden, kitchen, or warehouse to help provide nutritious meals directly to our neighbors. Click here to register today.
5. Advocate and Take Action by Contacting Your Elected Officials
Ask lawmakers to protect vital programs like SNAP, TEFAP, and CSFP in the Farm Bill. Find your representative at wrm.capitol.texas.gov/home.
6. Support Local Food Systems
Shop at farmers markets or choose locally grown produce to strengthen our regional food economy.
7. Attend a Community Event
From August 30 to September 15, dine at participating Austin Restaurant Weeks locations, every meal supports the Central Texas Food Bank. Click here to see more upcoming events.
Small actions, lasting impact
Hunger Action Month is more than 30 days on the calendar. It’s a movement to address the root causes of hunger and build a more equitable food system for every Central Texan. Whether you volunteer, advocate, learn, or give, your involvement matters.
Together, we can turn awareness into action and action into lasting change.
