
Texas food banks say SNAP cuts would worsen hunger
Why it matters: Texas food banks are warning potential cuts or changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) could exacerbate the hunger crisis across the state.
At the same time, tariffs on imported foods could affect millions of Americans.
How it works: Feeding America's Map the Meal Gap report is an annual effort to make local estimates about food insecurity among different groups, in part by using government data.
The childhood food insecurity rate represents the share of children who live in food-insecure households, which lack or have uncertain access to adequate food.
See more about the methodology here.
By the numbers: The overall food insecurity rate in Bexar County is nearly 19%, and Black (31%) and Hispanic (26%) households are disproportionately affected.
Zoom in: Feeding Texas, the state association of food banks, said Tuesday that proposed cuts to SNAP would require states to pay 75% of administrative costs, instead of 50%, "which would hobble the program's ability to meet increased need," per a news release.
The association estimates the state would spend an extra $87 million per year on administrative costs if Congress approves that cut, adding that there's no guarantee Texas could make up the gap.
What they're saying: "The proposed SNAP cuts are of an unprecedented scale that food banks could never compensate for," Theresa Mangapora, Brazos Valley Food Bank executive director and Feeding Texas board chair, said in a statement.
"I worry that the only solution for us is just to ration, and that means give families less food," Eric Cooper, CEO of the San Antonio Food Bank, told KSAT.
Zoom out: An estimated 14 million U.S. children overall live in food-insecure homes. That's about one out of every five kids.
The rate tends to be higher in relatively poor, rural counties — but there are urban areas with high rates as well, like New York's Bronx County (33%).
Hancock County, Georgia (47%), Perry County, Alabama (47%), and Holmes County, Mississippi (46%), had the highest estimated childhood food insecurity rates as of 2023, per Feeding America.
The big picture: Childhood food insecurity is one piece of a broader hunger problem exacerbated by rising food costs.
The total amount of money people in food-insecure U.S. households need to buy enough food rose from $28.5 billion in 2022 to $32.2 billion in 2023, up 8.4% when adjusted for inflation.
What's next: As the school year nears its end, the perennial threat of "summer hunger" will be an issue for students who rely on school meals to get enough to eat.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Miami Herald
2 hours ago
- Miami Herald
Walmart gives employees a generous new perk
Walmart, the world's largest retailer, has long been criticized for paying its employees wages so low that many must rely on public assistance programs to make ends meet. A 2020 Government Accountability Office (GAO) report revealed that millions of full-time workers earning poverty-level wages qualify for federal benefits such as Medicaid and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP); Walmart was among the top employers of SNAP and Medicaid recipients in the states included in the report, according to the Los Angeles Times. Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter Of course, many other large retail and food businesses have been found to underpay their workers, shifting the burden of supporting low-wage employees onto taxpayers. Amazon (AMZN) and McDonald's (MCD) are big organizations with significant numbers of employees who depend on assistance programs. (The U.S. Military, while not a private corporation, is another massive organization with many members who rely on government assistance.) Critics point out that taxpayers effectively subsidize employees' wages at profitable corporations, allowing these companies to maintain low labor costs while raking in substantial profits. This situation raises questions about the fairness of a system where taxpayers support corporate profits through public assistance programs. Employees and worker advocates alike have criticized Walmart, and the company is trying to improve its employees' financial well-being. The company introduced initiatives like the "Live Better U" program, which offers employees affordable education and skills training. The latest Walmart (WMT) employee perk is a 10% discount on groceries, and it's meant to ease employees' financial strain. Walmart announced on LinkedIn changes to its Walmart Associate Discount Card and will offer all U.S. employees the discount on groceries, including meat and dairy. Previously the discount was offered only during the holidays. The program applies to both full- and part-time employees. It is intended to help with the rising costs of food and household essentials affecting nearly every U.S. citizen. Related: $4 Trader Joe's bags are going viral (again), so grab one while you can Additionally, Walmart has raised its starting wages in certain locations and implemented bonuses for long-term employees. However, some worker advocates argue that these measures are insufficient and that a more comprehensive approach, including higher base wages and improved benefits, is necessary to reduce workers' dependence on public assistance. The Walmart program has plenty of critics. They point out that perks and discounts are helpful but do not replace fair compensation. Walmart's starting wages in the U.S. currently range from $15 to $17 per hour; every state has a different minimum wage. This rate is well above the federal minimum of $7.25, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, but is still often insufficient to cover the cost of living in many parts of the country, especially for employees who are supporting families. Even full-time workers at the upper end of the hourly scale may struggle with rent, health care, and child care costs, forcing them to turn to government programs to fill the gap. More Retail: Walmart CEO sounds alarm on a big problem for customersTarget makes a change that might scare Walmart, CostcoTop investor takes firm stance on troubled retail brandWalmart and Costco making major change affecting all customers The new grocery discount may provide immediate relief for Walmart employees, but it does not solve the systemic challenge of inadequate pay. Inflation and the cost of living continue to rise, so every little bit helps, and some see Walmart's move as a potential model. Others point out that perks are no substitute for a living wage. Related: Trader Joe's quietly pulls popular product, confuses fans The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.


Miami Herald
2 hours ago
- Miami Herald
Starbucks rival continues its US expansion
Whether you're a coffee lover or not, Starbucks is nearly impossible to ignore. With over 40,000 locations in 80 countries, it has become the most recognizable name in coffee worldwide; chances are, almost everyone has tried something from its menu at least once. However, Starbucks has experienced a noticeable decline in recent years. Sales are down, store traffic has slowed, and concerns about the company's long-term growth have prompted a major turnaround strategy to revive its business. Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter While Starbucks still dominates the market, smaller chains like Dutch Bros (BROS) , Scooter's Coffee, and 7 Brew Coffee have been gaining traction, steadily growing their customer bases. Now, Starbucks faces perhaps its most significant challenge yet. A powerful international rival has entered the U.S. market, threatening its position as a coffee leader. Related: Starbucks faces huge new rival Founded in 2017 in Beijing, Luckin Coffee (LKNCY) entered the coffee scene 46 years after Starbucks (SBUX) launched, and has already surpassed expectations. With over 22,000 stores, it's now the largest coffee chain in China, overshadowing Starbucks in that market. Although relatively unknown to Americans, Luckin Coffee immediately caught people's attention when it opened its first stores in New York City on June 30. It debuted two locations, one at 55 Broadway and another at 800 6th Ave., introducing its blue-and-white deer logo to the U.S. Image source:Luckin Coffee is known for its high-quality coffee and wide range of menu options at affordable prices. However, due to economic and currency differences, prices at its U.S. locations are understandably higher than in Asia. Starbucks has faced backlash over the last few months for raising its prices. In response to criticism, it simplified its menu and eliminated extra charges, a timely move that coincides with its rival's arrival in the U.S. Related: Starbucks' huge new rival opens first US stores When comparing their menus, Luckin Coffee clearly acknowledges Starbucks as a competitor. Both chains carry handcrafted coffee beverages, frappes, matcha drinks, and refreshers. Their prices are also very similar, with a 16-ounce drip coffee costing $3.45. And so far, U.S. consumers seem intrigued to give Luckin Coffee a chance. During its opening week, lines were out the door, with many people eager to try the new coffee shop in town. Keeping the momentum, Luckin Coffee has wasted no time expanding into the U.S. In a recent Instagram post, the company teased the grand opening of its third location in New York City, hinting that the new store will be "steps away from Columbus Circle" and asking people to guess the exact location. This sparked a wave of fans quickly flooding the comments section, with many commenting "901 8th Ave." More Food News: After bankruptcy, Starbucks rival plans aggressive expansionPizza Hut menu adds a completely new type of pizzaHershey teams up with Costco to make a dream candy combo The Chinese coffee chain also posted a picture to its Instagram story revealing the outside of the new coffee shop, which appears completed. Although Luckin Coffee has yet to provide an official date for the grand opening of its new location, it claims it will be opening very soon. To promote it, Luckin Coffee launched a scavenger hunt that will end on August 18 and allows participants to win prizes and free drinks. This suggests that the third store could open on Monday Aug. 18. Related: Starbucks plans major change to how it adds new menu items The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.


American Press
2 hours ago
- American Press
Things to know about the indictment against the New Orleans mayor
Months before New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell was set to leave office because of term limits, she has been indicted in what prosecutors allege was a yearslong scheme to conceal a romantic relationship with her bodyguard. Prosecutors say bodyguard Jeffrey Vappie was being paid as if he was working when he and Cantrell were really alone in apartments and visiting vineyards, hiding their communication by sending encrypted messages through WhatsApp and then deleting them. Although the pair have said their relationship was strictly professional, the indictment described it as 'personal and intimate.' The first female mayor in New Orleans' 300-year history has been charged with conspiracy, fraud and obstruction. Vappie was already facing charges of wire fraud and making false statements. He has pleaded not guilty. A grand jury returned an 18-count indictment Friday that added Cantrell to the case. The City of New Orleans said in a statement that it was aware of the indictment and that the mayor's attorney was reviewing it. Cantrell hasn't sent out a message on her official social media feed on X since July 15, when she said the city was experiencing historic declines in crime. She and her remaining allies have said that she has been unfairly targeted as a Black woman and held to a different standard than male officials. Here are things to know about the mayor and the indictment: Vineyard trips and alone time with bodyguard The indictment paints a detailed picture of Cantrell and her bodyguard traveling to vineyards and spending time alone in apartments at the same time it says Vappie was being paid as if he was working. Vappie reminisced in a WhatsApp exchange cited in the indictment about joining Cantrell in Scotland in October 2021, saying that was 'where it all started.' Cantrell had told local reporters she needed a security detail 'due to COVID,' saying her travel accommodations were 'a matter of safety, not of luxury.' The following year, instead of Cantrell attending a conference in Miami, authorities said the pair rendezvoused on Martha's Vineyard. Vappie's travel to the island was covered by the city to attend a separate conference. 'The times when we are truly (traveling) is what spoils me the most,' the mayor wrote to him that month. That same year, they also visited several California wineries, according to the indictment. After a 'trusted staff member' posted a photo of the three of them on social media, one of Cantrell's associates asked them to remove it. They met in an apartment while Vappie claimed to be on duty, and Cantrell arranged for him to attend 14 trips, Acting U.S. Attorney Michael Simpson said. The trips, he added, were described by her as times 'when they were truly alone.' In all, New Orleans taxpayers paid more than $70,000 for Vappie's travel, Simpson said. The pair used WhatsApp for more than 15,000 messages, including efforts to delete evidence, make false statements to FBI agents, 'and ultimately to commit perjury before a federal grand jury,' he said. A turbulent second term as mayor Cantrell, a Democrat, won a historic election in 2017 by portraying herself as a candidate for the people and not of the city's political class. Her mayoral tenure started strong with her securing tens of millions of dollars for city infrastructure improvements and taking decisive steps during the pandemic. There wasn't strong opposition to her 2021 election for a second term. But it was around that time that the wheels started to come off her administration. After Hurricane Ida pounded south Louisiana in 2021, residents were left without trash collection for weeks, while crime rates were surging.