Food insecurity rates vary across states due to state-level policies and economic conditions. Food insecurity is exacerbated by unemployment and underemployment, which impacts a household's ability to afford enough food for every person. In Bexar County, food insecurity among children ages 0-17 years remains higher than the total population, but is also the lowest it's been since tracking in 2014.

Food insecurity in both Bexar County and Texas — 13.5% and 13.7% respectively — is higher than the national rate of 10.4%. Federal spending on USDA's food and nutrition assistance programs totaled $183 billion in fiscal year 2022, 6% less than fiscal year 2021, adjusted for inflation. This may have an impact on the food insecurity numbers in 2022. Additionally, in Texas, WIC — a federal nutrition program for pregnant women and new mothers — is facing a $1 billion shortfall in 2024, which will impact food insecurity in years to come.

Texas House Bill 1287 took effect on September 1, 2023. This bill updates the eligibility requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which supplements the food budgets for low-income working families, seniors, and people with disabilities. The program determines eligibility by assessing applicants' income, cash, and the value of their vehicles. To address inflation and rising vehicle costs, HB 1287 increased the limits of the value of applicants' vehicles, making more Texans eligible to receive SNAP benefits. Read more at EveryTexan.org.