The highs and lows of Texas

Not everything is bigger in Texas, after all.

Texas is the second-largest state in terms of landmass, trailing behind Alaska. And it's second in population, as well, behind California. Texas also follows behind California in terms of annual GDP. Here are five astonishing facts about Texas that will leave you scratching your head when you read the current state of affairs.

1. Texas produces almost 40% of America's oil.

In 2017, Texas accounted for a whopping 37% of America's crude oil production, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The state also was responsible for 24% of the nation's marketed natural gas production.

2. Texas would have the 10th largest GDP on earth if it were an independent nation. Were it a sovereign nation, Texas would have the 10th-largest economy in the world. In 2017, Texas had an approximate economic output of $1.7 trillion, slightly ahead of Canada and behind Brazil.

3. Texas is the largest producer of wind power in America.

A genuine energy superstar, Texas produces more petroleum than any other state and dwarfs other states in wind power production. In 2017, Texas windmills produced 21,044 megawatts. Iowa, the second-largest producer, reached just 6,952 megawatts.

4. Texas accounts for 10% of total manufacturing in the United States

Texas' manufacturing output topped $226 billion, meaning the state accounted for one-tenth of all manufacturing dollars generated in America. Manufacturing provided about 865,000 jobs in Texas that year.

5. Texas is home to nearly 1 million women-owned businesses.

Texas is an excellent state for women-owned businesses. The state ranks third overall in the number of women-owned businesses, with almost 150% growth in female-owned establishments over the last two decades. And about half of the overall workforce in Texas is female, slightly edging out the national average of 47%.

And yet, a new report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office shows that DFW grocery inflation is now at 14%, higher than any of the other 17 major cities examined except for Detroit. Said plainly, DFW grocery inflation is the second highest in the country. That equates to 1 in 8 people in North Texas facing hunger and food insecurity.

For that reason, the mission of Midwest Food Bank Texas to share the love of Christ by alleviating hunger and malnutrition locally and throughout the world and providing disaster relief, all without discrimination, remains critical. Responding to our more than 100 food agencies reporting a 20-25 % increase in food demand across the board, we have increased our food distribution by more than $7 million annually. Through teamwork and a commitment to excellence, we can make a real difference in the lives of those we serve. Together, we can make food insecurity in Texas and beyond uncommon, short-lived, and certainly non-recurring. Click here to make support Midwest Food Bank's work in Texas.