Food-insecure households in Houston face worse health outcomes, study shows

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Houston families without steady access to nutritious food are reporting significantly poorer physical health than those who do, according to a new study released by Rice University's Kinder Institute.

Researchers found that nearly 2 in 5 households in the Houston region do not have steady access to healthy, adequate food.

That toll, the report found, is taking a toll on people's health.

The report said that almost two-thirds of people living in food-insecure households are dealing with a physical health issue. It showed people living in food-insecure homes are more than twice as likely to rate their physical health as "fair" or "poor."

People without insurance were also far more likely to face food insecurity, according to the report.

So, what steps are being taken locally?

Houston's Food Insecurity Board, created to advise city leaders on solutions, is working on new strategies to lighten the burden.

The board was created back in 2022, according to Houston City Council Member Edward Pollard.

A member of the food insecurity board told ABC13 that they meet every other month. He said their next meeting is in December.

"We noticed that there was not a board of commission that was dedicated to addressing food insecurity around the city," Pollard said.

Pollard said one of the board's main efforts right now is expanding an existing program that doubles the value of SNAP benefits at participating grocery stores.

The goal is to stretch food budgets further.

"If someone only had $50 worth of groceries that they could afford, the double up bucks would provide an additional $50," Pollard said.

According to Pollard, they would have to find outside dollars, like federal funds or grants, to pay for this.

Houston Mayor John Whitmire's office said the board is working to establish a Food Insecurity Fund to help with that.

"That's something that I believe would truly impact the lives of many Houstonians," Pollard said. "Something that is necessary and needed, especially in these times of uncertainty at the federal level and going into the holiday season."