Public Health

Houston SNAP enrollment down 18%, pantries report increased demand as program eligibility tightens

Enrollment in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, has fallen sharply across the region over the past year, in part due to new federal legislation.

When coverage isn't enough: 1 in 7 older Harris County adults not getting needed medical care

A Kinder Institute survey suggests nearly 100,000 people age 65 and older in Harris County didn’t get needed healthcare in the prior year.

Physical and Mental Health of Older Adults in Houston and Harris County

While most older Houstonians report good health, disparities exist based on race, ethnicity and income.

Tight-knit neighbors, better lives: How strong community ties can help Houstonians feel healthier, safer

New Kinder Institute research finds local residents living in neighborhoods with strong relationships and shared values have a higher probability of good health and feeling safe at home.

We asked 180 Houston advocates where to start on curbing food insecurity. Here’s what they said.

Houston-area advocates say collaboration, transportation and community engagement are key to reducing hunger.

40% of Houston households are food-insecure. These key actions will help close the gap.

Deeper investment, clearer roles and community collaboration are needed, the Kinder Institute’s Luz Maria Garcini writes.

An average life expectancy of 80? This Rice researcher says a ‘universal basic neighborhood’ can make it happen.

Kinder Institute co-founder Michael Emerson argues minimum neighborhood standards can boost life expectancy.

Left in the cold: These Houston residents report lack of safe, reliable heating in winter

Early results from a Kinder Institute survey show 12% of Harris County residents don’t have safe, reliable heat at home.

School vouchers, slowing growth and food insecurity: What Kinder Institute researchers are watching in Houston in 2026

The new year will bring big changes to key education, health and housing policies that shape the city.

Houston’s poorest neighborhoods are still drowning in illegally dumped trash — even after federal intervention

Federal oversight brought more eyes and dollars to Houston’s persistent illegal dumping problem, but city data suggests trash continues to pile up across the city.

Houston mothers and children face high rates of food insecurity. We’re working on a plan to help.

Three local nonprofits and area mothers are joining to develop plans for curbing food-access issues for families, with some early lessons already gleaned.

Abandoned properties are making Houston hotter. Could these changes turn down the heat?

How Food Insecurity Intersects With Health in Houston and Harris County

Families experiencing food insecurity are more than twice as likely to report poor or fair physical health compared with those who are food secure.

A key federal report on food insecurity is ending. How local data can fill the gap.

Congress’ debate over ‘Obamacare’ subsidies stands to impact 1 million Houstonians

For more than 1 million Houstonians benefiting from Affordable Care Act subsidies, the argument in Washington over continuing the support hits close to home.