Sign of the Times: 1 in 8 Texans Receive Food Stamps

The number of Texans forced to turn to food stamps to feed their families jumped 25% in the last year, according to HHSC records. 

One in eight Texans (2.9 million) now receive this federal benefit, which is designed to kick in when the economy turns sour. Half of those recipients are children.  

This disturbing trend has been reported locally in cities like El Paso, Abilene, and San Angelo, but statewide numbers have been absent from a discussion in which some have claimed Texas is immune to the national recession. 

These shocking numbers obscure the fact that more than a third of the Texans estimated to be eligible for the benefit are not currently receiving it, according to the Food Research and Action Center. The group says this is primarily due to lack of knowledge and complex application requirements.