Local leaders respond as SNAP benefits face shutdown threat

The State of Texas Health and Human Services tell KPRC, SNAP benefits may not come in November if the government shutdown doesn’t end by Monday.

Oct 23, 2025 - 01:00
Local leaders respond as SNAP benefits face shutdown threat

The State of Texas Health and Human Services is warning that SNAP benefits may not come in November if the government shutdown doesn’t end by Monday.

While our federal elected officials debate how to reopen the government, we know what the cost will be to those here in Southeast Texas.

This means 877,684 people won’t be able to get food and more than half of those are families in the 10 counties surrounding Houston. The average payment is $389 for food.

KPRC 2 is reaching out to all of our local elected officials to see what they are doing to help with the burden.

We will post their statements below.

Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia

“Harris County has supported the Food Bank and Interfaith Ministries financially and with their infrastructure for many years and will continue to do so. In Precinct 2, we have been keenly aware of the sad fact that we have the highest rate of food deserts, the lowest median income and the highest mortality rate in Harris County by 20 years. This is why we do homebound senior meals, weekly fresh produce boxes at community centers, and conjugate meals. Coming up next month, we will have our annual turkey giveaway ahead of Thanksgiving. All this because I will not let my community suffer, in particular our vulnerable seniors, who are most impacted. We are also exploring additional ways to help keep people and especially children from going hungry.”

Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones

“Americans deserve a government focused on people, not partisan politics. In the face of unprecedented instability at the federal level, my Harris County Precinct 4 team and I are doubling down on our commitment to supporting our community.

Through our partnerships with Tejano Center’s La Tiendita, Second Servings of Houston, Common Market, and Feed the Fridge Houston, Harris County Precinct 4 offers free, fresh food markets and weekly food distributions at our community centers to ensure that families have nutritious meals on their table. We stand ready to serve those who may be impacted by potential cuts to SNAP benefits and will always prioritize people over politics.”

Harris County Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey

“We partner year-round with nonprofit organizations, who all do a tremendous job in helping their communities through food distributions, social services, and even learning & vocational training. Many have already begun planning holiday food drives. These nonprofits are a huge asset to the county as they are equipped to provide assistance and reach those in need, and we’re happy to assist as their local government partner.”