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Meals in Comal County cost more than SNAP benefits
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) assists over 42 million people in the United States annually. In Texas, approximately one in nine individuals benefited from SNAP in 2022, as reported by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP). Data from the United States Census Bureau indicates that in Comal County, 4.4%, or about 8,000 households, received SNAP benefits that same year. However, data from 2023 suggests that SNAP benefits do not cover the cost of a modestly priced meal, resulting in widespread food insecurity among many families both nationally and locally.
THE PROBLEM:
While SNAP benefits assist thousands in Comal County, the cost of a modestly priced meal often exceeds what these households can afford, leading to persistent food hardship and increasingly tight budgets.
Nationally, in 2023, the maximum benefit only covered the cost of meals in 36 of the 3,144 counties, as reported by the Urban Institute. In Comal County, the difference between SNAP benefits and the cost of meals is approximately $0.24, rendering a modestly priced meal 8% more expensive than the maximum SNAP benefit.
Additionally, data from Feeding America and Texas Health and Human Services in 2022 indicate that 62% of the food-insecure population in Comal County have incomes above the SNAP threshold, with earnings over $4,125 monthly for a family of four. In other words, 62% of our neighbors who struggle with grocery costs earn too much to qualify for assistance. This often forces them to choose between food and medication, rent, or clothing. Reports also suggest that an annual investment of $15.8 million is required to eradicate hunger in Comal County.
ABOUT SNAP:
Previously known as the Food Stamp Program, SNAP is the nation’s most valuable anti-hunger initiative, aiding low-income individuals in obtaining a nutritionally sufficient diet. It supports low-income working families, individuals with disabilities on fixed incomes, older adults (60 years and older) with low income, and other low-income households. The CBPP states that about two-thirds of SNAP recipients are families with children, and one-third are individuals with disabilities or older adults.
In Texas, the maximum monthly income an individual can earn is $2,005 and still qualify for the program, as per the Texas Health and Human Services. The threshold for a family of two is $2,712, and for a family of four, that threshold is $4,125.
A single eligible Texan can receive a maximum of $291 monthly from SNAP. For each additional household member, up to $219 per month is added. For example, a family of two may get $535, while a family of four may receive a maximum of $973.
LOCAL RESOURCES:
The demand for food security programs continues to increase in our community. Several local organizations, however, continue to step in to fill the gap caused by insufficient benefits. The following organizations are dedicated to providing assistance and support to those in need:
New Braunfels Food Bank:
- Located at 1620 S Seguine Ave. in New Braunfels
- Open from 8 am to 5 pm, Monday through Saturday
- Request an appointment here.
The Hope Center Food Pantry:
- Located at 6260 US Hwy 281 N in Spring Branch
- Open from 9 am to 12 pm, Tuesday through Friday
Community Resource and Recreation Center:
- Located at 1917 FM 2673 in Canyon Lake
- Open from 9 am to 4 pm, Monday through Friday (last shopper at 3:30 pm)
Helping Hands Food Pantry:
- Located at 11755 Hwy 281 N in Spring Branch
- Click here for 2024 hours
For more information on hunger in our community, please click here.
For more local resources dedicated to ending hunger, please visit our Non-profit Resource Directory.