Texas food banks boost aid as SNAP hit by shutdown effects
TYLER, Texas (KETK) — As the federal government shutdown continues, food banks across East Texas are ramping up emergency response efforts to support families who have missed paychecks and are impacted by a potential disruption in SNAP benefits.
According to Feeding Texas, more than 3.5 million Texans participate in the SNAP program to help put food on their tables. Due to the ongoing government shutdown, those who rely on SNAP benefits may not receive their November benefits on schedule.
Feeding Texas estimates that at least 126,000 Texans could be affected each day that SNAP payments are delayed.
“When you consider that the vast majority of SNAP recipients are children, seniors, and people with disabilities, the stakes become painfully clear,” Celia Cole, CEO of Feeding Texas, the state association of food banks, said. “These are our neighbors, our grandparents, our kids. A delay in benefits isn’t just inconvenient—it’s devastating. It means empty pantries, skipped meals, and added stress for families already living on the edge.”
As the shutdown continues, food banks across Texas are expanding their efforts to meet the needs of those affected by delays in SNAP payments and those forced to miss paychecks. To help those impacted, food banks are hosting targeted food distributions in areas with high concentrations of federal workers, including airports, military bases, and other key locations.
“Food banks are seeing a wave of new faces and families who’ve never needed emergency food assistance before,” Cole said. “We’re doing everything we can to meet the moment, but food banks were already seeing increased need due to rising food costs. The shutdown adds another layer of strain to an already stretched emergency food system.”
Texans can find up-to-date information on the government shutdown and explore ways to support hunger relief efforts by visiting the Feeding Texas website. Those wanting to support can also donate directly to their local food banks.
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