More East Texas children are experiencing food insecurity, according to new data highlighted by the East Texas Food Bank and the 2026 Map the Meal Gap study. READ MORE: Remember When East Texas Food Bank Attempted a World RecordKey Texas Food Insecurity StatisticsStatewide findings from the 2026 report also highlight the growing severity of food insecurity across Texas:1 in 4 Texas children are experiencing food insecurity, representing 26.1%, or 1,995,810 children, an increase from 22.2% last year. Food insecurity among White, non-Hispanic Texans increased from 11% to 12%, meaning 1 in 8 are now experiencing food insecurity. Food insecurity among Black Texans increased from 31% to 34%, meaning 1 in 3 Black Texans are experiencing food insecurity. And the East Texas Food Bank is working to be able to provide backpacks full of nutritious food every Friday for those in need.