EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — Texas has the highest rate of food insecurity in the nation and El Paso has twice the food insecurity of Texas.

That’s according to a presentation on hunger in the local area that the El Paso City Council will hear on Monday, Dec. 1 during its regularly scheduled work session.

“Food insecurity is an official term from the USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture). It’s when people don’t have enough to eat and don’t know where their next meal will come from,” according to backup material in the council agenda packet.

The council will hear a presentation from Warren Goodell, the executive director for the Kelly Center for Hunger Relief.

The work session is scheduled for 9 a.m. on Monday at the council chambers at City Hall, 300 N. Campbell.

According to the presentation, the United States has a 12.8 percent rate of food insecurity, Texas is at 17.6 percent and El Paso sits at 35 percent.

People who experience food insecurity are “more likely to experience malnutrition and chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes,” the presentation states.

There is also a “strong and mutual correlation” between food insecurity and mental health issues like depression, anxiety, anger and stress, the presentation states.

“Not meeting basic needs like food and shelter can lead to social isolation, stigma and shame,” the presentation adds.

Without food, people who experience food insecurity may have difficulty concentrating, have low energy or miss school or work due to illness, according to the presentation.

According to the presentation, food insecurity costs the local area $745.9 million a year in total costs due to illness, missing school and impact on charities.

The per-capita impact of food insecurity comes out to $857.47.

The Kelly Center’s mission is to help El Pasoans address hunger and food insecurity through its food pantry and other programs.

You can learn more about the Kelly Center for Hunger Relief by clicking here.

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