88R15023 TBO-D By: Dutton H.R. No. 520 R E S O L U T I O N WHEREAS, Food insecurity is a serious issue that impacts the health and well-being of individuals across Texas; and WHEREAS, Approximately 1.4 million households in the state and nearly 4 million Texans are facing hunger; according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 58 counties in Texas are considered food deserts, or areas where residents have limited access to affordable, healthy, and quality food; and WHEREAS, Studies show that food insecurity disproportionately affects people of color; Feeding America estimates that 21 percent of Black individuals, 23.5 percent of Native American individuals, and 15.8 percent of Latino individuals experienced food insecurity in 2021, compared to 11 percent of White individuals; and WHEREAS, More should be done to ensure that all Texans have access to nutritious foods, and every means of combating hunger should be explored; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas Legislature hereby request the Speaker of the House to create an interim committee to study issues relating to food insecurity in Texas; and, be it further RESOLVED, That the committee submit a full report, including its findings and recommendations, to the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas Legislature before it convenes in January 2025.