Nationally, food insecurity — the lack of reliable access to enough affordable, nutritious food — affects about 1 in 5 households with children. Drawing on a spring 2024 survey of over 5,200 Harris County residents, this study finds the local number to be significantly higher and examines how local food insecurity varies by household structure, income and neighborhood.
Key findings
- Half (50%) of Harris County households with children reported food insecurity — nearly three times the national estimate (18%) and significantly higher than households without children (33%).
- Among households with children, food insecurity was more commonly reported in:
- Households with more children, reaching 62% for those with three or more
- Single-adult households (59%), compared to multiple-adult households (48%)
- Lower-income households, particularly those making less than $35,000 annually
- Neighborhood areas with a high concentration of households with children
These findings highlight the need for coordinated solutions that expand access to nutritious food, reduce financial strain and strengthen support systems for families.
