Houston, TX — A new Survey Snapshot from Rice University’s Kinder Institute for Urban Research shows food insecurity is a daily reality for many households across Houston and Harris County.
Key Findings
- 39% of households in Houston and Harris County are food insecure, compared to 14% nationally.
- Rates are highest among Black (53%) and Hispanic (47%) households, and among households earning under $35,000 (59%).
- Hispanic women experience the steepest gender gap in household food insecurity.
- In 7 of 30 neighborhoods, a majority of residents report moderate or high food insecurity. In Greenspoint & IAH, roughly 4 in 5 households are food insecure.
These insights are drawn from spring 2024 responses by more than 5,200 members of the Kinder Institute’s Greater Houston Community Panel, capturing challenges such as the cost of balanced meals, skipped meals due to finances, and hunger among both adults and children.
Why It Matters
Food insecurity undermines health, learning, and economic stability. The data show the crisis isn’t evenly distributed—neighborhood and demographic disparities require targeted, community-informed solutions.
Dig Deeper (Full Links)
Full report page:
https://kinder.rice.edu/research/food-insecurity-houston-and-harris-county
Direct report download:
https://rice.box.com
Related Urban Edge: In Harris County’s most food-insecure area, a nonprofit leader offers a recipe for tackling hunger:
https://kinder.rice.edu/urbanedge/harris-countys-most-food-insecure-area-nonprofit-leader-offers-recipe-tackling-hunger
Related Urban Edge: Cuts to SNAP would impact hundreds of thousands of Houston households:
https://kinder.rice.edu/urbanedge/cuts-snap-would-impact-hundreds-thousands-houston-households
Take Action
- Support local hunger relief and meal delivery programs in hard-hit neighborhoods.
- Advocate for strong nutrition supports and policies that expand access to affordable, nutritious food.
- Partner on solutions that improve transit, grocery access, and community food infrastructure.
- Volunteer at a neighborhood pantry, mobile market, or meal program.
Contact The Change Lab:
hello@thechangelab.net
https://www.thechangelab.net
