SNAP is one of the most effective tools we have to improve health in Texas. And right now, that support is at risk.
Across Texas, more than 3 million people rely on SNAP to afford food, many of them children and older adults. At the same time, more than 5.4 million Texans are food insecure, struggling to consistently access healthy meals.
The connection to health is clear. When families can afford consistent healthy food, it lowers stress, supports child development, and helps prevent and manage chronic conditions like diabetes. When that support is disrupted, the impact shows up quickly, in worse health outcomes and greater strain on families and communities.
The impact also extends beyond individual households. SNAP provides the majority of food assistance in Texas, far beyond what charitable food systems can supply. When benefits are cut, there is no system alone that can make up the difference, leaving families with fewer options for consistent, healthy food.
At EHF, this is central to how we approach improving health, not just health care. Connecting Texans to benefits like SNAP is a key part of maximizing connections to health coverage and benefits, one of our Impact Drivers to improve health across Texas.
That’s why EHF is supporting the Call to Feed the Hungry campaign, a new interfaith effort that’s bringing together people of faith and conscience across Texas to raise awareness about food insecurity and the importance of programs like SNAP and school meals.
The campaign is focused on educating Texans about the role SNAP assistance plays in the health and stability of families, building public support through community outreach and shared stories, and helping residents engage with policymakers about future funding for SNAP. By creating a broad network of informed advocates across the state, the effort aims to ensure decision makers understand what is at stake for Texans who rely on nutrition assistance.
Texans can sign up to receive updates, educational resources, and opportunities to get involved. Participants will learn more about SNAP and other nutrition programs, stay informed about the campaign, and have the option to join future advocacy efforts supporting food security across Texas.
The campaign is led by the Episcopal Diocese of Texas and supported by a coalition of faith-based and community partners, including Episcopal Health Foundation. Learn more and sign up at feedthepeopletoday.org.
