AUSTIN, Texas — Leaders say federal funding cuts are making it tougher to implement the Austin/Travis County Food Plan .

Austin City Council and Travis County Commissioners both passed it , the region’s first-ever comprehensive food plan, unanimously in October 2024.

The food plan lays out nine goals and 61 strategies to tackle hunger and create a more sustainable food system.

About 18% of households in Austin lack reliable access to affordable, nutritious food, according to city staff.

In a Nov. 20 memo to the mayor and council, Zach Baumer, director of Austin Climate Action & Resilience, said the city is already seeing the impact of fewer federal dollars.

Baumer mentions higher costs for the Senior Congregate Meal Program, which delivers meals to eight recreation and senior act

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