Community leaders in the Rio Grande Valley are taking new steps to fight hunger.

They met Thursday to push for action, where county leaders noted data showing nearly one in four Valley residents experiences food insecurity.

Organizers plan to send letters to congressional leaders asking for their support.

"A lot of the benefits that we receive come from federal funds and also state funds. And that's why we have elected officials to help us advocate for those things," Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez said. "We need to advocate with our federal government, state governments and local governments here that we have a problem. Until we find a solution for them, then I think government has a role to play in helping the people in need."

The letters will be hand-delivered in the coming days.