Texas Hunger Action Month Helps Families And Farmers

While I was at the West Texas Fair & Rodeo, I had the opportunity to visit with Amy Keith McDonald, a field representative with the Texas Department of Agriculture.

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Our conversation quickly turned to something that affects far more Texans than many people may realize: hunger.

September is Hunger Action Month, and the Texas Department of Agriculture is working with Feeding Texas to raise awareness about food insecurity and encourage Texans to help their neighbors.

According to information shared by TDA, nearly one in five Texans experiences food insecurity. That represents more than 6 million people statewide, including nearly 2 million children.

Texas Agriculture Plays A Role In Fighting Hunger

What I found especially interesting is that helping hungry families also connects directly with Texas farmers and agricultural producers.

One program, Texans Feeding Texans, helps move surplus agricultural products to food banks and charitable organizations instead of allowing good food to go to waste. The program helps cover costs associated with harvesting, collecting, and transporting those products.

The Texas Department of Agriculture also administers programs that provide meals for children during the summer and distribute American-grown foods to qualifying families and older Texans.

There Are Simple Ways Texans Can Help

You don't have to run a food bank to make a difference.

Texans are encouraged to volunteer at local food banks or pantries, donate food or money, talk about food insecurity, and help spread awareness. Orange is also recognized as the color of Hunger Action Month.

After talking with Amy, I invited her to visit me at the radio station so we can talk more about what the Texas Department of Agriculture is doing across our state.

For me, the biggest takeaway is simple: hunger doesn't always look the way we expect, and it can affect families right here in our West Texas communities.

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