Hunger in the South Plains: A Community Challenge We Can Solve Together
When most people think of hunger, they picture far-off places. But the truth is, hunger is a daily reality for thousands of families right here in the South Plains. Whether it’s a single parent skipping meals so their kids can eat, a senior forced to choose between groceries and medication, or a college student juggling tuition and food, food insecurity doesn’t discriminate — and it affects people in every zip code in our region.
What Is Food Insecurity?
Food insecurity is more than just skipping a meal now and then. It means not knowing if you’ll have enough to eat tomorrow — or next week. It means making impossible choices between rent, gas, medicine, and food. According to United Way and the USDA, it’s a condition of uncertain or limited access to adequate food.
In Lubbock and the South Plains, the situation is urgent:
- Roughly 1 in 6 people in the region struggle with food insecurity
- An estimated 14% of Lubbock County residents don’t have reliable access to food
- Children and seniors are among the most affected
And with the cost of living rising, more working families are finding themselves in need — sometimes for the first time in their lives.
Who Experiences Hunger?
Hunger doesn’t always look like we expect. Many people facing food insecurity are:
- Working adults with full-time jobs that don’t pay enough
- Older adults on fixed incomes
- Single-parent households struggling to make ends meet
- College students balancing tuition, rent, and part-time jobs
- People of color, who are disproportionately affected due to long-standing systemic inequalities
Food insecurity is often invisible — neighbors who don’t speak up, kids who are too young to ask for help, seniors who feel ashamed to ask. That’s why it’s so important to make resources accessible, respectful, and stigma-free.
How South Plains Food Bank Fights Hunger
At South Plains Food Bank (SPFB), we believe no one should go hungry. That’s why we partner with community members, schools, churches, and volunteers to provide food across 20 counties — from Lubbock to smaller rural towns where grocery stores may be miles away.
Here’s how we’re helping:
- Food Pantries & Mobile Distributions: Fresh and shelf-stable groceries for families in need
- Children’s Feeding Programs: Meals and snacks for kids after school and during summer
- Senior Food Boxes: Supplemental groceries delivered to low-income seniors each month
- Nutrition Education: Teaching families how to prepare healthy, affordable meals
- Community Gardens & GRUB Program: Empowering youth and residents to grow their own food
We also work with local farmers, grocers, and food manufacturers to rescue food that would otherwise go to waste — turning it into meals and hope. Learn more about our programs and how to get involved.
You Can Make a Difference
Food insecurity is a community issue — and it requires a community solution. Here’s how you can help:
- Need help? Visit our Children’s Feeding Programs or Find Food page to locate free meals and groceries near you.
- Want to donate? Every dollar helps us provide up to 7 meals.
- Looking to volunteer? We need help sorting food, packing boxes, and delivering groceries year-round.
- Know someone who’s struggling? Share our website or call us at (806) 763-3003. A simple conversation could change someone’s life.
Together, We Can End Hunger in the South Plains
Hunger is real. But so is hope. With your support — whether it’s your time, your voice, or your generosity — we can build a stronger, healthier, hunger-free South Plains. Because no one should have to wonder where their next meal is coming from. Visit www.spfb.org to get food, volunteer, or donate.
