Food Insecurity in Texas: The Hidden Crisis Affecting Students
Food insecurity is a growing crisis in Texas, affecting families, communities, and, most notably, students. Despite the state’s rich agricultural industry and booming economy, millions of Texans struggle to put food on the table. For students, the consequences of food insecurity extend beyond hunger—it impacts their education, health, and future opportunities.
The Impact of Food Insecurity on Students
For students, food insecurity is more than just an empty stomach—it disrupts their ability to learn, grow, and thrive. The consequences can be seen in several ways:
1. Declining Academic Performance
Students who experience hunger struggle to focus in class, retain information, and complete assignments. Research shows that children facing food insecurity perform worse on standardized tests and have lower grades compared to their peers who have consistent access to meals.
2. Increased Absenteeism and Dropout Rates
Hunger contributes to chronic absenteeism, as students dealing with food insecurity are more likely to miss school due to illness, fatigue, or the need to work to support their families. Over time, this can lead to higher dropout rates, reducing their chances of future success.
3. Physical and Mental Health Challenges
A lack of nutritious food weakens the immune system, making students more prone to illness. It also increases the risk of obesity, diabetes, and developmental issues, as families often rely on cheaper, processed foods. Additionally, food insecurity is linked to higher rates of anxiety, depression, and behavioral issues in children and teens.
4. Social Stigma and Emotional Stress
Students experiencing hunger may feel ashamed or isolated, especially if they rely on school meal programs. This stigma can impact their self-esteem, social interactions, and overall well-being.
Our Response
To help fuel students for success and support teachers, we sponsor our JoyBox program at partner campuses across Central Texas. JoyBoxes are student-designed, recyclable snack boxes filled with a healthy drink, carbohydrate-dense snack, and a protein-rich bar. Boxes are delivered to schools for use in the classroom, after school, or at home (at the teachers’ discretion).
The program breaks down negative emotions and stress by giving the student’s agency in creating a desirable product. Not only are the boxes desirable they immediately provide needed proteins, fatty acid, and aminos that improve mood and congnitive function. Lastly,the accessbility of the snacks helps remove financial and physical burdens such as fatigue that contribute to absenteeism.