Food Deserts in Texas: Understanding the Crisis and How Supreme Works is Fighting Back

By Supreme Works - Jan 22, 2025

What Are Food Deserts?

Food deserts are areas where residents have limited access to affordable and nutritious food. These are often found in low-income neighborhoods or rural areas without nearby grocery stores or supermarkets. Instead of fresh produce, healthy grains, and lean proteins, these areas are plagued by convenience stores, and fast-food chains offering processed foods high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats.

In Texas, a state known for its vast landscapes and diverse population, the problem of food deserts is especially acute. Despite being one of the largest agricultural producers in the country, Texas has countless communities where accessing fresh and nutritious food is a daily struggle. According to feedingtexas.org, in Texas alone about 1 in 6 households are food insecure. That's more than 1.9 million families – including approximately 5.1 million Texans – are at risk for hunger. meaning 1 in 4th of those children are experiencing hunger. Supreme is trying to do it part to help negate those effects and help the community become stronger in overcoming this crisis.

How Do Food Deserts Affect Communities and Kids?

Food deserts don’t just mean fewer options for dinner; they have long-term consequences for the health and well-being of entire communities. Here’s how:

1. Poor Nutrition and Health Problems - Without access to fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and other nutrient-dense foods, families are forced to rely on unhealthy alternatives. Over time, this can lead to chronic health conditions such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and even developmental delays in children.

2. Educational Challenges - Nutrition plays a vital role in brain development and learning. Children who don’t get enough healthy food may experience difficulty concentrating, lower academic performance, and behavioral issues. Food insecurity can perpetuate a cycle of poverty by limiting children’s educational opportunities and future success.

3. Emotional and Social Impact - Living in a food desert creates stress for parents who struggle to provide for their families. This stress can trickle down to children, affecting their mental health and sense of stability. Additionally, children who grow up without access to nutritious meals may feel socially isolated or stigmatized.

Supreme Works Incorporated: A Step In The Fight Against Food Deserts

Supreme Works Incorporated is tackling the food desert crisis head-on. As a nonprofit organization dedicated to feeding children and teens, we recognize that access to healthy meals isn’t just a necessity—it’s a right. Here’s how we’re making a difference in food desert communities across Texas:

1. Providing Nutritious Meals Our program offers free, balanced meals to children aged 3-18, and to children with disabilities aged 19 or older. Each meal includes the five essential components: a grain, a fruit, a vegetable, a protein (or meat alternative), and milk. By following these guidelines, we ensure that kids receive the nutrition they need to grow, learn, and thrive.

2. Reaching Underserved Communities - We strategically operate in areas with high concentrations of children and limited food access. Our meals are distributed at schools, community centers, libraries, and even apartment complexes. By bringing food directly to where children are, we remove the barrier of transportation that often prevents families in food deserts from accessing healthy options.

3. Raising Awareness and Education - Supreme Works goes beyond providing meals; we also educate families about nutrition and healthy eating. Through workshops, social media campaigns, and informational resources, we empower parents and caregivers to make healthier choices for their families, even when options are limited.

4. Building Partnerships - To maximize our impact, we collaborate with local businesses, schools, and community organizations. These partnerships allow us to extend our reach and provide additional resources, such as feeding sites and enrichment activities.

Real Impact in Texas Communities

Supreme Works has made a significant impact in areas such as Northwest Houston and Magnolia, Texas. By focusing on these underserved regions, we’ve been able to bring healthy, balanced meals to children and teens who need them most. These efforts are helping to bridge the gap and offer hope to families living in food deserts.

Join Us in the Fight Against Food Deserts

Addressing the issue of food deserts requires a collective effort. Supreme Works is proud to lead the charge in Texas, but we can’t do it alone.

Here’s how you can help:

• Volunteer: Donate your time to help with meal distribution or educational workshops.

• Donate: Financial contributions help us expand our reach and serve more children.

• Partner With Us: Whether you’re a business owner, educator, or community leader, we’re always looking for collaborators.

  
  

Together, we can ensure that no child in Texas grows up without access to healthy, nutritious food. Visit www.supremeworks.org to learn more and get involved.

Hard problem but not unsolvable

Food deserts may seem like an overwhelming problem, but they are not insurmountable. By working together, we can make meaningful strides toward a future where children have the resources they need to obtain for their well-being. Supreme Works Incorporated is committed to making this vision a reality, one meal at a time.