Access to healthy and nutritious foods contributes to a person’s overall health and well-being. In early 2024, EHF announced a strategic framework with three new priorities for change, one of which is Food and Nutrition Security. Texas has the second highest food insecurity rate in the nation with disproportionate impacts across race, ethnicity, and age; revealing the need for a coordinated, statewide food and nutrition security policy and strategy in Texas.
Food and nutritional security, or lack thereof, is an important non-medical driver of health because it can be a contributing factor to several health outcomes, such as metabolic chronic diseases. EHF’s latest health tracking survey found that eight in 10 Texans view food insecurity and low food access areas as problems in the state. These findings are indicative of the challenges Texans face when it comes to accessing food.
Learning about the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Texas, formerly called ‘food stamps’, and its possible role in reducing these obstacles is essential for our efforts to address food insecurity.
SNAP Benefits in Texas
With millions relying on SNAP benefits, it’s essential that the program be designed and positioned to address the state’s needs. Regarded as one of the most effective programs to combat hunger, SNAP provides monthly cash benefits to eligible recipients for use at authorized food retailers as well as access to a variety of training and education programs to promote their health and wellness.
SNAP beneficiaries must meet specific requirements to receive cash benefits. In 2022, the U.S. Census estimated that 3.6 million Texans, 12% of the total state population, participated in the program. Administered by Texas Health and Human Services, Texas’ eligibility requirements allow a family of one a maximum allowance of $291/month and a family of four just under $1,000/month. These allotments are determined by the applicant’s citizenship, household size, expenses, and net income. Additionally, adults ages 18-53 without dependents, disabilities, or pregnancy must work at least 20 hours per week or be in a job training program to qualify. Otherwise, benefits are limited to three months within a three-year period.
While SNAP is a federal program, each state can establish different requirements for eligibility, which can ultimately influence participation rates. For example, Texas utilizes a vehicle asset test to determine eligibility. Originally established in 2001, applicants were disqualified if their primary vehicles were valued at $15,000 or more and had additional vehicles valued at $4,650. While House Bill 1287, which passed during the 2023 legislative session, increased those thresholds to $22,500 and $8,700 respectively, requirements like these can deter people who may be eligible from seeking benefits altogether. Of note, Texas is one of only 10 states that still has a vehicle asset test to qualify for SNAP.
Current federal spending bills propose massive cuts to aid programs, putting many state programs like SNAP at risk of losing significant funding, especially because SNAP is a cost-share program between the federal government and states. If states are unable to secure funds to replace lost federal grants, they may need to impose more restrictive eligibility requirements or risk losing benefits entirely. Therefore, a focus on access to SNAP benefits for eligible Texans is relevant for policy conversations at the state level.
Leveraging SNAP to Increase Food Security in Texas
Hover over each county for more details.
Across Texas counties, there are 1.6 million SNAP cases statewide as of February 2025. To better understand food insecurity rates and access to SNAP benefits, Figure 1 depicts county-level food insecurity rates across Texas as well as SNAP enrollment data. Using monthly SNAP enrollment data provided by Texas Health and Human Services and Census population data, we can use the map to estimate how many people are experiencing food insecurity and the presence of SNAP in each county.
For example, Brazoria County has 15,746 SNAP cases and a food insecurity rate of 13%, for an estimated 49,600 people. While it’s promising that many people currently benefit from SNAP, there remains tremendous gaps in enrollment, particularly when considering the food insecurity rates and needs. This is demonstrated not only in Brazoria County, but counties across Texas. Using this data, we can illustrate the importance of SNAP in filling food access gaps and the potential widening of those gaps should funding cuts occur.
SNAP participation can have many benefits. For those experiencing food insecurity, multiple studies have found that participation in SNAP was associated with improved medication adherence, reduced healthcare costs, better self-reported health status, reduced psychological stress, and a lower chance of hospital admission in older adults. Additionally, participation as a child in the program was associated with decreased rates of metabolic syndromes as an adult.
Some SNAP program modifications to integrate more aspects of healthy living include the Double Up Food Bucks program, which allows the usage of SNAP credit at eligible farmer’s markets, farm stands, and mobile markets, to increase access and consumption of locally grown fruits and vegetables. However, there are only a few dozen eligible locations across the state, mostly concentrated in major cities. Given the success seen with mobile market programs in other states, it can be worth considering expanding this program beyond major cities and into suburban and rural areas.
Ultimately, reducing funding for an essential program such as SNAP can have harmful impacts to the overall well-being of our communities. As the program stands currently, there are several opportunities to enhance its effectiveness and reach within communities. This could look like having a focus on program enrollment to expand access or making program modifications, like Double Up Food Bucks more widely available.
All in all, EHF aims to work with health systems, governments, food systems, and communities with lived experience to co-create and develop new solutions to transform Texas food systems to be more accessible and sustainable.
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