By Dani Blackburn

In one of the most developed countries in the world, food insecurity remains a very real issue for more than 38 million people in the United States, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Even more devastating are statistics showing the effect of hunger on children as nearly 12 million were food insecure during 2020.

What is food insecurity? The USDA defines it as a lack of consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life and differs slightly from the meaning of hunger.

Hunger implies that feeling of physical sensation of discomfort when one is lacking food, whereas food insecurity is the shortage of consistent access to food. Every community in the country is home to families who face food insecurity, including those right here in North Texas. In fact, food insecurity is highest in the south at 12.3 percent. Many close to home are just one layoff or missed paycheck away from struggling to put food on the table for their family. Numerous individuals do not qualify for government food programs, or when they do, it is still not enough. They turn to their local nonprofits and food pantries for the support they need during difficult times.

Historically, those food pantries across the Lone Star State have lacked the ability to provide consistent high-quality protein to the families they serve. One North Texas nonprofit by the name of Horns 4 Hope is working to confront this challenge by providing protein, in the form of quality ground beef, to those who need it most. The organization’s goal is to collaborate with individuals, businesses, ranchers, rodeo families, and volunteers to contribute to the immense need for fresh meat at local pantries. Since September 2020, they have donated over 10,000 pounds of quality protein beef. Their goals are reached through the donations of cattle, hay, feed, pasture, cattle processing fees, and monetary donations.

To read more pick up a copy of the January 2022 NTFR issue. To subscribe call 940-872-5922.