AUSTIN, Texas — A new report by the organization No Kid Hungry Texas shows that many Texans are struggling to pay for groceries.
According to the report, 76% of those surveyed said it's become harder to afford groceries.
A staggering 81% of respondents said the cost of food is rising faster than their income, and 60% of families with students in Texas's public K through 12 schools had to choose between paying for food and other essentials.
"We are seeing 'quietly hungry' be pervasive in homes and communities, and people are having to make this tough decisions,” said Stacie Sanchez Hare, the director of No Kid Hungry.
Sanchez Hare said organizations like food banks and nonprofits are key to assisting those in need, but she would also like to see a new federal Summer EBT program come to Texas.
“Provide kids, families with free or reduced prices meals ... [that] can offset the increased grocery costs," Sanchez Hare said.
Organizations like the Central Texas Food Bank and Foundation Communities provide assistance to those in need. On Thursday, they held a free food pantry in South Austin.
"They are all types of Austinites. They are families, families with small children, retirees and veterans, people with disabilities, and especially with people on fixed incomes,” said Norris Deajon with Foundation Communities.