State Lawmakers Talk Texas Hunger Problems

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) _ Farmers and activists have told Texas lawmakers they should pass laws that make it easier to produce and sell fruit and vegetables in poor communities to promote better health.

State agency officials also told House members on Tuesday that the key to fighting child obesity is to also provide better health education.

The House Human Services and Public Health Committees are investigating why Texas has the second highest rate of people having trouble getting enough food. In 2010 that was more than 4 million Texans.

Among the solutions advocates offered the committee was promoting farmer’s markets and community gardens. Texas ranks 43rd in the nation in the number farmer’s markets and small farms per capita.

Lawmakers also suggested making more deer and feral hog meat available through food banks.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

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