Food Access

Barriers to local food production, processing, and distribution, along with limited affordability and access to retailers, contribute to reduced food access and increased reliance on charitable food services, such as food pantries. The dashboards below tell the story of where the greatest need is in Central Texas and where neighbors who experience food insecurity access federal nutrition programs and emergency food to help feed their households.

There are currently many robust datasets that contribute to a shared understanding of food access in Central Texas. However, food access is dynamic and occurs on a continuum. Some of the datasets available may underrepresent certain populations, such as people experiencing homelessness or undocumented immigrants. Many datasets do not include race and ethnicity or other demographic data that would enable analysis focused on increasing equitable food access and advancing food justice. Additionally, the population of Central Texas is growing and changing rapidly, and national datasets may not capture the nuances of this growth and change. There is opportunity to carry out more qualitative research, such as the Food Access Community Needs Assessments (CNAs) currently being conducted by Central Texas Food Bank, to develop a more localized view of food access across Central Texas.

Questions to Consider

  • Where are the areas of greatest need in Central Texas?

  • What are the most impactful levers for increasing food and nutrition security?

  • Where are charitable food distributions located in Central Texas? Where are there potential gaps in service?

  • What are current participation rates in federal nutrition programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)? What measures could be implemented to achieve and ensure enrollment of all eligible individuals in these programs?

  • How might food access programs in low-income communities and communities of color be supported without increasing gentrification?

  • What is needed to ensure access to nutritious and culturally relevant food throughout a person’s entire lifespan?

List of Dashboards

Continue scrolling to view the dashboards linked below or click on a link to visit a specific part of this page.

    • Low-Income/Low-Access Areas (LILA)

    • Food Security

    • 2-1-1 Call Trends: Food Requests

    • Food Distributions and Programming

    • Mix of Foods Provided through Charitable Response

    • SNAP Eligibility and Participation

    • SNAP Participation: Race and Ethnicity Snapshot

    • WIC Eligibility and Participation

    • Double Up Food Bucks (DUFB) Locations

    • Free and Reduced School Meals

The Need

Low-Income/Low-Access Areas (LILA)

The dashboard below sheds light on how an individual’s home zip code can shape their physical food environment, which can, in turn, heavily influence their food choices. The following maps highlight areas that are considered low-income, low food access areas (LILA), formerly referred to as “food deserts.” A low food access area is defined by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) as a census tract in which at least 500 people or 33% of the population live more than 0.5 miles (for urban census tracts) or 10 miles (for rural census tracts) from the nearest supermarket, supercenter, or large grocery store, and where households are more likely to lack vehicle access.

Highlights: Low-income/low-access areas are mostly concentrated along the I-35 corridor and northeast part of the region. Most counties have at least one low-income/low-access census tract. The percentage of households without a vehicle is highest overall in Falls, McLennan, and Travis counties, at over 6%. Census tracts with lower vehicle access closely mirror low-income/low-access areas.

Two limitations of this dataset are that it only measures distance to food retail stores and does not account for affordability or availability of nutritious foods. It is possible that a community might not appear as low-income/low-access on this map, but the only nearby stores have limited availability of nutritious foods, culturally relevant foods, or other foods that meet the surrounding community’s needs. Food Access Community Needs Assessments (CNAs) conducted by Central Texas Food Bank and other testimonials from neighbors have confirmed this phenomenon in specific communities in Central Texas. Additionally, areas with low grocery access and a high concentration of outlets that tend to sell less nutritious food, like fast food restaurants and convenience stores, are referred to as food swamps and are associated with higher rates of obesity.

Another limitation of the dataset is that individuals do not necessarily shop at the food retailer nearest to their home. Choosing a retailer located on the way to or from work, a child’s school or extracurricular activities, religious services, or other frequently visited locations is a common food shopping strategy, meaning that the map does not provide a complete view of communities’ retail preferences or access points.

To toggle each layer off or on, open the “Layers” card on the left-hand side of the map, then click on the “eye” icon to the right of the layer name to either make that layer visible or hide it. View either low-income/low food access or households without a vehicle one layer at a time, not overlaid. The default view is set on the “Low-Access, Low-Income” layer.

Data Source: USDA Economic Research Service, Food Access Research Atlas, 2019-2021

Refreshed: Every 4-5 years. Dashboard last refreshed October 2024.

Food Security

Households living in close geographic proximity may experience different levels of food access, which is why it is important to look at household-level food security to understand need. Households are considered food secure when all household members can access enough food at all times so that they can lead active and healthy lives. There are four main components to measuring food security that illustrate how it intertwines with many other social factors and household experiences:

  • Household resilience and the ability to recover from financial shocks (e.g., losing a job, unexpected medical expenses), which can impact a household’s food budget.

  • Perceived limited availability of foods that support health and wellbeing. This is closely linked to dietary preferences, food choice and acceptability, and the low-income/low-access map shown above.

  • Utilization barriers, or access to the means to prepare food (e.g., refrigerator, cooking utensils, stove) and the knowledge, skills, and time to prepare it.

  • Food insecurity stability, or food insecurity levels over the course of each month and during different seasons of the year. Fluctuations in food insecurity can impact household food budgets and purchasing patterns. For example, benefits like SNAP often run out before the end of the month, which affects the types and amount of food that households can afford to choose after their benefits have been spent.

The following map shows food insecurity rates by census tract in Central Texas and how each census tract’s rate compares to Texas’ overall rate. The table below the first map highlights food insecurity rates among different racial and ethnic groups, as well as among children and older adults. The second map focuses on food insecurity rates by county among children and older adults and compares them to the statewide averages for these populations. When viewing these maps, bear in mind that Texas’ overall food insecurity rate is the second-highest in the United States.

Highlights: Food insecurity is often perceived as an urban phenomenon, but as shown on the map, many rural communities in Central Texas experience rates of food insecurity that are as high as their urban counterparts. Eight of the 21 counties in Central Texas have a higher overall food insecurity rate than the Texas average of 17.2%, and nearly all are located in primarily rural counties in the north and northeast part of the region (Bell, Caldwell, Coryell, Falls, Freestone, Limestone, McLennan, and Milam). However, most counties have census tracts with food insecurity rates that are higher than the state rate, with urban areas of high food insecurity concentrated in the Eastern Crescent of Travis County and around Waco in McLennan County.

Across all counties, Black and Hispanic or Latino/a/e neighbors experience higher rates of food insecurity than White/non-Hispanic neighbors, with nearly one in three Black neighbors experiencing food insecurity across Central Texas—nearly twice the regional average.

Throughout Central Texas, children experience food insecurity at higher rates than the general population, while the opposite is true for adults age 60 and older. The north/northeast part of the region holds most counties where food insecurity rates are higher than the state average for children (five counties) and older adults (eight counties).

A key piece of information missing from this dataset is nutrition security. Nutrition security builds upon the definition of food security by further adding that every household member has consistent and equitable access to food that is nutritious, safe, affordable, and essential for optimal health and wellbeing. There is currently no comprehensive dataset available that measures nutrition security.

To toggle each layer off or on in the “Food Insecurity Rates among Children and Seniors” map, open the “Layers” card on the left-hand side of the map, then click on the “eye” icon to the right of the layer name to either make that layer visible or hide it. View either child or senior food insecurity rates one layer at a time, not overlaid. The default view is set on the “Children Food Insecurity Rate” layer.

2-1-1 Call Trends: Food Requests

The dashboard below shows food-related requests for help across Central Texas, split into calls for immediate help with food (food calls) and calls regarding SNAP enrollment and renewal (SNAP calls). It reflects the breadth of calls, texts, and chats related to food that are received by 2-1-1, the primary health and human services information and referral line that is available nationwide and operated by United Way for Greater Austin in Central Texas. Note that 10 of the counties in Central Texas are in United Way's service area. For more information on the services provided by 2-1-1, visit www.unitedwayaustin.org/connectatx.

Highlights: Food calls include those related to food pantries, home-delivered meals, and meal sites. The top food-related need was food pantries, with home-delivered meals a distant second. Important to note, however, is that call volume is not a perfect indicator of need. Rather, calls can also indicate awareness of services available. For example, in areas where home delivery services may not exist or where outreach about existing services is limited, callers are less likely to ask for those services, even if they are needed.

The share of 2-1-1 calls related to food resources ranged from 5-8% between January 2019 and July 2023. In the two years following the COVID-19-driven peak in 2020, this percentage dropped, but began to rise again in 2023, when many COVID-19-era SNAP flexibilities expired.

SNAP calls accounted for a much higher percentage of all calls, ranging from 19-33%. The clear increase marked by the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic has been sustained over the past four years.

Click on a county name at right to filter by county.

Data Source: United Way for Greater Austin 2-1-1 Requests and Needs Dashboard (January 2019-August 2023). Access the full dashboard here.

Refreshed: Annually. Dashboard last refreshed August 2024.

Charitable Response

Food Distributions and Programming

The following map displays Central Texas Food Bank’s food pantry, meal site, and other programming locations in Central Texas, as well as the total number of food pounds and produce pounds distributed by county. It also displays additional food distribution locations outside of Central Texas Food Bank’s network. Central Texas Food Bank provides direct food distribution programs and also works through a robust network of community partners throughout Central Texas. For more information, visit www.centraltexasfoodbank.org.

Highlights: The map below shows relatively limited resources in some rural areas, as well as Travis County’s Eastern Crescent. Central Texas Food Bank is conducting Food Access Community Needs Assessments (CNAs) in partnership with community stakeholders to identify gaps and opportunities related to food access, optimize solutions across charitable and food system response, and support capacity-building efforts to reach communities more equitably.

Charitable distribution sites outside of Central Texas Food Bank’s network are distributed around the 5-county Austin MSA and fill in gaps in geographic reach. Note that we do not yet have out-of-network locations listed for counties beyond the 5-county Austin MSA.

Toggle between years and program types using the filters below the map.

Data Sources:

Central Texas Food Bank data for October 1, 2021-September 30, 2024. The count of locations by census tract is available in the Data Portal.

For the most up-to-date list of locations, visit www.centraltexasfoodbank.org/food-assistance/get-food-now.

Data on locations outside Central Texas Food Bank’s network provided for 2022 by Bastrop County Cares, Williamson County and Cities Health District (WCCHD), and 2-1-1.

Refreshed: Annually for Central Texas Food Bank data; as available for locations outside of Central Texas Food Bank’s network. Dashboard last refreshed October 2024.

Click on a county name in the filter to the right of the charts to filter by county.

Data Source: Central Texas Food Bank data for October 2018-September 2024

Refreshed: Annually. Dashboard last refreshed November 2024.

Mix of Foods Provided through Charitable Response

The dashboard below shows the types of foods distributed through Central Texas Food Bank’s network. This includes the percentage distributed that is considered “Foods to Encourage” (F2E), a framework from Feeding America that includes fruits, vegetables, dairy, whole grains, and protein, which promote good health and align with USDA’s MyPlate Guidelines.

Highlights: Despite a common belief that charitable food includes mostly processed foods that have low nutritional value, this dashboard shows that 85% of food distributed consists of Foods to Encourage, including 49% produce (fruits and vegetables) in Central Texas Food Bank’s 2024 fiscal year.

Nutrition Benefits and Incentives

SNAP Eligibility and Participation

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly referred to as “food stamps,” is a federal program that provides monthly food benefits to low-income families to supplement their grocery budget so they can afford nutritious food essential to health and wellbeing. In addition to increasing household food security, SNAP serves as an economic driver by increasing overall household purchasing power. One way to estimate the overall economic impact of SNAP is through the SNAP multiplier, which estimates the additional economic activity generated or “multiplied” for each $1 of government spending on SNAP benefits. The SNAP multiplier is currently estimated to be 1.5, which means that for each $1 provided in SNAP benefits, SNAP recipients spend 50 cents of their own money that would have otherwise been spent on food on non-food items, contributing to overall economic growth. In 2023, food banks across Texas helped 58,749 households submit SNAP applications, generating an estimated $206 million in local economic impact to the Texas economy through benefits and the multiplier effect.

SNAP is also associated with higher food security after a household participates in the program for six months or more, as well as better health outcomes and lower health care expenditures.

Federal nutrition programs like SNAP tend to be underutilized, meaning that not everyone who is eligible enrolls. This is known as the “SNAP gap.” Some key reasons for this underutilization are the amount of documentation required, limited access to technology or low computer literacy, misinformation about applications affecting immigration status, limited transportation, the perception that benefit levels may not outweigh a lengthy or confusing application process, lack of understanding or awareness of the program, being previously turned down, and stigma associated with accessing benefits.

In addition to individuals who are income-eligible but not enrolled, many households have incomes just above the qualifying threshold but may still struggle to access food. Also, when considering additional neighbors who might be financially eligible but are unable to access SNAP due to immigration status or other program criteria, the population that falls just beyond eligibility requirements is likely higher.

Highlights: SNAP participation has dropped gradually from an early peak during the COVID-19 pandemic. On average, participating households receive just under $10/day through SNAP. The data show that the average payment per case, or household, has increased in recent years. Nevertheless, according to Food Access Community Needs Assessments (CNAs) conducted by Central Texas Food Bank, neighbors express that their SNAP benefits do not stretch as far as they used to; this perception may be due to inflation increasing the cost of groceries by 5% from 2022 to 2023, resulting in reduced purchasing power of food dollars.

Hover over the lines on the chart to see individuals and households for a given month. Click on a county name at right to filter by county.

Data Source: Texas Health and Human Services Commission, January 2020-September 2024

Refreshed: Quarterly. Dashboard last refreshed November 2024.

SNAP Participation: Race and Ethnicity Snapshot

The following chart shows the race and ethnicity breakdown of SNAP recipients over time.

Highlights: Overall, roughly half of SNAP recipients are White, though this varies by county. However, the demographic groups with the highest percentage of their populations participating in SNAP are Black and Hispanic or Latino/a/e. These findings mirror national trends that show that, while the largest racial group served by SNAP is White, there is a disproportionate share of SNAP recipients who are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) relative to the overall population of BIPOC individuals. One explanation for this is that, due to historical oppression and institutional racism, many BIPOC communities are more likely to have lower incomes and assets that qualify for SNAP benefits.

Click on a county name on the right to filter by county. Use the timeline to filter by month and year.

Data Source: Texas Health and Human Services Commission, December 2023

Refreshed: Annually. Dashboard last refreshed August 2024.

WIC Eligibility and Participation

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is a federal program administered by the state of Texas that supports the nutrition of low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and non-breastfeeding postpartum women, and that of infants and children up to age five who are at nutritional risk. A key component of this program is providing financial support to participants to purchase specific nutritious foods. County-level data on WIC eligibility and participation is not consistently available publicly at this time. Central Texas Food Bank is working to compile more localized data for Central Texas. In the meantime, state-level data on eligibility, participation, and coverage rates (the percentage of the population eligible for WIC who receive benefits) are shown below.

Highlights: WIC eligibility and participation are declining slightly in Texas. Over half of the eligible population is enrolled. Coverage rates vary by population: 100% of eligible infants participate, while only 41% of eligible children do. Six in 10 eligible participants identified as Hispanic or Latino/a/e in 2019, with a 66% coverage rate. Half of eligible Black Texans and one-third of eligible White Texans were enrolled in WIC.

Hover over the marks on the charts for more information.

Data Source: National and State Level Estimates of WIC Eligibility and Program Reach. USDA Food and Nutrition Service, 2022-2024.

Refreshed: Annually. Dashboard last refreshed August 2024.

Double Up Food Bucks (DUFB) Locations

Double Up Food Bucks (DUFB) doubles the value of SNAP benefits at participating locations, with some sites also doubling WIC and Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) benefits. The map below shows farmers markets, community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs, farm stands, and grocery stores participating in DUFB. Similarly to SNAP, nutrition incentive programs like DUFB have an economic multiplier effect. For DUFB, this has been calculated at 3.1, meaning that for every $1 spent on incentives at farmers markets and other direct-to-consumer sites, the overall contribution to the economy is $3.10.

Highlights: The map shows that the number of participating locations increased in number and geographic distribution over the past year. Bastrop, McLennan, Travis, and Williamson counties have participating locations. The number of farmers markets in Central Texas, as seen on the Food Markets and Retail dashboard, limits the number of direct-to-consumer sites that can participate, though there is opportunity to expand these outlets through other retail channels.

Toggle between years using the filter below the map.

Data Source: Sustainable Food Center, updated through August 2024. For the most up-to-date list of locations, visit www.doubleuptexas.org/find-a-location.

Refreshed: Annually. Dashboard last refreshed August 2024.

Free and Reduced School Meals

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP) provide options for free or reduced-price meals to children from families with low incomes. The map below shows the percentage of students enrolled in the free and reduced meal program in Central Texas.

Highlights: In every Central Texas county except for Blanco and Williamson counties, over half of the student population is enrolled in free or reduced lunch, and one-third of counties (8) have participation rates over 80%. Every county except for Blanco and Burnet has some schools with more than 80% of the student body enrolled in free or reduced lunch. Roughly 43% of schools participate in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) across all counties except for Blanco, Gillespie, and Mills. An additional 17% participate in Universal Free Breakfast across 12 counties.

Use the filters to change the schools included in the map view: county, percent of students eligible for free or reduced lunch, and participation in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) and Universal Free Breakfast program.

Data Source: Texas Department of Agriculture, School Nutrition Programs - Meal Reimbursement Information - Program Year 2023-2024, accessed August 2024

Refreshed: Annually. Dashboard last refreshed September 2024.

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