A new report from the Rice University Kinder Institute for Urban Research is shedding light on a growing crisis in Houston: nearly 40% of households are struggling with food insecurity.
That means for many families across the city, putting food on the table is not guaranteed.
According to the Kinder Institute, 2 in 5 Houston area households are food insecure, a number significantly higher than the national average.
In some neighborhoods, including areas near Greenspoint and George Bush Intercontinental Airport that number jumps to nearly 80%.
The report also highlights disparities:
• Black households: 53% food insecure
• Hispanic households: 47%
• Households earning under $35,000: nearly 60%
Experts say the issue goes beyond just having enough food.
“Talk about insecurity is not only people having not enough access to food, but having limited access to quality and nutritious food,” said Luz Maria Garcini, Director of Community and Public Health at the Kinder Institute. “So, it’s not that people are going hungry, it’s that they cannot afford the right foods, the right nutritious foods.”
Experts point to a combination of factors fueling the crisis, including:
• Rising grocery prices
• The increasing cost of living
• Wages that are not keeping up
• Barriers like transportation and access to affordable food
In many cases, even families with steady incomes are struggling.
At the Wesley Community Center in Houston’s Near Northside, families say the rising cost of living is hitting hard.
Beatrice Cortez, who lives on a fixed income, shops at the center twice a month.
“Oh girl, it means a lot. Look at that. We got chicken. It means a lot, girl, because that money has to stretch.”
She says she wasn’t surprised to learn how many families are struggling.
“I wouldn’t be surprised. The way everything is going up girl it’s a shame.”
Organizations like the Wesley Center are working to bridge the gap.
The center is currently helping more than 300 families each week, providing access to fresh and healthy foods for those in need.
For many families, it’s not just about cost — it’s about access. Some people walk to the pantry because they don’t have reliable transportation.
Cassandra Carmona says the food she receives makes a major difference.
“Oh my God, well over $100. Well over $100.”
She says the groceries she picks up would cost more than $100 at the store — and help feed her family for several days.
“It will feed maybe five to six….”
The Wesley Center also operates a garden, where volunteers grow fruits and vegetables that are then distributed to families.
Still, demand continues to grow.
“So much need right now in the community, folks are just struggling to make ends meet. They’re doing all that they can,” said Samantha Sherman, Chief Programs Officer at the Wesley Center.
Experts say food insecurity in Houston is not just about food — it’s about access, affordability, and awareness.
Without long-term solutions, they warn, the number of families struggling could continue to rise.
As costs continue to climb, more Houston families are being forced to make difficult choices — stretching paychecks, cutting back, and turning to community resources just to get by.