The San Antonio Food Bank is seeking the support of Texas legislators to combat food insecurity affecting thousands of families. With over 100,000 people relying on their services weekly, the food bank emphasizes the urgent need for legislative backing. The CEO, Eric Cooper, stated that easing the SNAP application process would significantly help families facing financial difficulties, potentially saving the state millions while providing much-needed resources.
Brenda Sel, a guardian to her two grandchildren, shares the difficulties her family faces in making ends meet after a tragic loss. Despite her husband working full-time, their income places them just above the threshold for federal assistance, forcing them to rely on the San Antonio Food Bank. Brenda's story is a poignant reminder of the struggles many families encounter and how vital it is for lawmakers to acknowledge their challenges.
The San Antonio Food Bank has identified three main areas for Texas lawmakers to address during the legislative session. First, streamlining the SNAP application process to mitigate current backlogs. Second, the implementation of summer lunch programs for children, which could utilize over $450 million in federal funding to ensure no child goes hungry. Lastly, supporting Texans’ access to Medicaid would enable families to make healthier choices without the burden of medical bills overshadowing their ability to afford food.
The San Antonio Food Bank, which serves over 100,000 people in Texas each week, is pushing for legislative changes to help families in need. As state lawmakers convene for the legislative session, the food bank's CEO, Eric Cooper, emphasizes the importance of addressing the struggles faced by many Texans. One of the clients, Brenda Sel, highlights the challenges her family faces, underscoring the urgent need for policymakers to recognize the plight of middle-class families struggling to make ends meet. Brenda became a guardian to her grandchildren after a devastating loss, yet her family doesn’t qualify for federal support, forcing her to rely on the food bank's services. The San Antonio Food Bank has outlined three critical areas they believe should be prioritized by lawmakers this session: Streamlining the SNAP application process, implementing access to summer lunch programs, and enhancing access to Medicaid for those in need. By addressing these areas, the food bank believes lawmakers can help prevent food insecurity for many families across Texas and ensure no child goes hungry.