Nearly 150,000 Collin County residents were estimated to lack consistent access to adequate food in 2024, according to newly released data from Feeding America, with the number of children experiencing food insecurity increasing by more than 9,000 in one year.

Feeding America released its 2026 Map the Meal Gap report July 28. The study uses data through 2024 to estimate food insecurity at the state, county and congressional district levels. Food insecurity is defined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as limited or uncertain access to adequate food at some point during the year.

The numbers present a mixed picture in Collin County.

Overall food insecurity declined slightly, by 0.6 percentage points to 12.9% in 2024. The estimated number of residents experiencing food insecurity decreased from 150,550 to 149,550.

Among children, however, the trend moved in the opposite direction.

Collin County’s child food-insecurity rate increased from 15.6% to 18.4% in 2024, with an estimated 53,040 children affected — more than 9,000 additional children from the previous year.

Although the county’s overall rate declined slightly, local organizations say the need for assistance has continued — particularly among working families struggling to keep up with household expenses.

Statewide, both measures increased. Texas had an estimated food-insecurity rate of 19.4% in 2024, up from 17.6% the previous year, representing approximately 6.06 million people. The child food-insecurity rate increased from 22.2% to 26.1%, with nearly 2 million children estimated to be affected.

Although the report was released this summer, its county figures reflect estimated conditions in 2024. Feeding America develops local estimates using federal survey, census and unemployment data.

In Farmersville, one local pantry says the number of families it serves has doubled.

Judy Brandon, manager of the Farmersville Outreach Alliance Food Pantry, said the organization currently serves about 60 families at each distribution.

“The pantry is open twice a month,” Brandon said, “and I would say we get three or four new families every month.”

The pantry is not affiliated with North Texas Food Bank and relies on donations from area residents as well as support from Brookshire’s, the local grocery store.

“Brookshire’s hosts local drives, raising funds and gift cards. They’re very supportive,” Brandon said.

The Farmersville pantry is open the first and third Mondays of each month. Current needs include regular-size boxes of cereal, oatmeal, canned chili, canned chicken, tuna, Spam, canned fruit, peanut butter and jelly.

Amazing Grace Food Pantry, which serves Collin and Rockwall counties and surrounding communities, also continues to see new families seeking food assistance.

Director Karen Ellis said an average of 120 to 150 new families register each month, representing all ages and demographics. Between 8,100 and 8,700 people have received food each month this year.

Ellis said the pantry isn’t seeing a particular summer increase beyond the continued addition of new families.

She attributes much of the need to the overall cost of living, particularly groceries. Unexpected expenses can quickly disrupt a family’s budget, she said, noting that many clients drive older vehicles that frequently need repairs.

Amazing Grace, a North Texas Food Bank partner, is operated entirely by volunteers and distributes more than 60,000 pounds of food each month. Food provided includes produce, meat, bread and canned goods, with toiletries, cleaning supplies, diapers and paper products available on occasion.

North Texas Food Bank President and CEO Trisha Cunningham said rising household expenses continue to put pressure on families.

“As the cost of living continues to outpace household incomes, families across every ZIP code in North Texas are increasingly having to make tough decisions about whether to buy the groceries they need or pay for other essentials, such as gas, rent, medication or utilities,” Cunningham said.

Feeding America’s report found food prices increased nearly 24% between 2020 and 2024. The organization said the cumulative effect of higher food prices and other household expenses may have contributed to elevated food insecurity.

The report also found that nearly half of people experiencing food insecurity nationwide may not qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP. An estimated 25 million, or 48%, had household incomes above their state’s gross-income eligibility threshold in 2024.

Changes to SNAP approved by Congress will shift a greater share of program costs to states. North Texas Food Bank and other hunger-relief organizations are asking Congress to delay implementation of some of the changes to give states additional time to prepare.

NTFB is encouraging residents concerned about the changes to contact their congressional representatives.

Local food pantries, meanwhile, continue to rely on donations.

“Everyone is feeling the pinch of higher costs, so are donors,” Ellis said. “Donations are down compared to last year.”

Amazing Grace is seeking financial donations and volunteer non-CDL truck drivers to pick up food from 11 grocery stores five days a week. Fuel costs for the pantry’s trucks are another ongoing expense.

In Princeton, Christ Cares for Princeton operates a food pantry at Faith Baptist Church, 1306 N. Sixth St. The pantry is currently seeking items it cannot obtain through North Texas Food Bank, including pancake mix and syrup, canned meats such as Spam, tuna and chicken, peanut butter and jelly, saltine crackers, dried pinto beans, chili and stew.

Donations may be dropped off at the pantry from 10 a.m. to noon Monday through Thursday.

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