In Texas, nearly 17% of households have incomes that are at or below 100% of the federal poverty level (FPL). A similar percentage face challenges with food security. An estimated one out of seven Texans receives benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which helps eligible individuals and families purchase nutritious food to feed their families. Proper nutrition is important because diet quality has been linked to four of the 10 leading causes of death. Research also suggests that the diets of low–income households, including those receiving SNAP benefits and those with children, often lack variety and are typically inadequate in fruits, vegetables, whole–grains, dairy products, and lean meat.
BLT is funded by the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) and the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. The program is targeted towards SNAP recipients and those eligible for benefits and is focused on helping them adopt behaviors that lead towards improvement in diet quality, physical activity, food safety skills, and food security. BLT is delivered through a variety of teaching methods that reflect audience needs and is present in 198 counties throughout the state.
To learn more see our Program Brief or visit our website.