Hunger Offering ministries stand in the gap as food insecurity increases in Texas

The North Texas Food Bank (NTFB) and Tarrant Area Food Bank (TAFB) released a press statement on July 28, sharing new findings from Feeding America’s latest Map the Meal Gap study, which highlights a level of food insecurity in Texas.

According to the study, which was based upon data from 2024, Texas ranked first in the nation for the number of people experiencing food insecurity for three consecutive years, and Houston and the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex now rank among the four U.S. metro areas with the greatest number of people facing hunger, following Los Angeles and New York City. 

Based upon the recent findings, more than 6 million Texans, approximately 19.4%, experience food insecurity, which includes uncertain or limited access to food throughout the year.

Irene Gallegos, director of Hunger and Care Ministries for Texas Baptists, shared that the Texas Baptist Hunger Offering supports more than 80 Texas Baptists churches and hunger relief ministries that stand in the gap to fight food insecurity across the state. 

“It’s heartbreaking to see the number of food-insecure in our state continue to climb,” said Gallegos. “Our Texas Baptists churches and hunger relief ministries have long stood in the gap, serving neighbors with Christ-like dignity, compassion and care. There is still more work to do to care for the vulnerable in our communities.”

On behalf of the Hunger Offering ministries, Gallegos asked for prayer for:

• God to provide the resources necessary to meet the growing need for nutritious food.
• The individuals and families welcomed each week to the Texas ministries, that God would provide not only daily bread, but also hope, healing, stable housing, employment, restored relationships and a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. 
• That Texas Baptists would faithfully reflect the love of Christ in every interaction, meeting both practical and spiritual needs with compassion and grace. 

“We are deeply grateful for our Texas Baptists churches, which faithfully provide food for today and hope for eternity,” Gallegos said. 

As the need continues to grow in Texas and beyond, please join Texas Baptists in praying for those experiencing hunger and for the ministries faithfully serving them. To learn more about the Texas Baptist Hunger Offering, visit hungeroffering.org.