Matagorda County leaders say they can’t expand food assistance without federal help amid SNAP shutdown threat
The Matagorda County Judge said the county’s budget doesn’t allow for “large-scale assistance” efforts
As the federal government shutdown continues, families who depend on food assistance programs are facing tough days ahead, especially in smaller communities like Matagorda County.
Roughly 300,000 families in Harris County depend on SNAP benefits to help cover their groceries.
If the government shutdown isn’t resolved by Monday, Oct. 27, that support, about $400 per family, could be delayed or cut off entirely, leaving families without help during Thanksgiving.
Officials across Texas are already preparing for the potential fallout.
Harris County Commissioner Adrian Garcia told KPRC 2 he plans to move up his annual turkey giveaway.
“I will not let my community suffer, in particular our vulnerable seniors, who are most impacted,” he said.
- Waller County food pantry expects possibly twice as many people seeking help if SNAP benefits paused
But in Matagorda County, leaders there say their resources are stretched thin.
“The timing of this government shutdown has certainly surprised us, and we understand the real hardship it may cause for many families here in Matagorda County who depend on SNAP benefits,” county officials said in a statement to KPRC 2. “We believe it is critical for the federal government to come together, set aside differences, and work toward a resolution that supports the hardworking Americans who rely on these essential programs,” their response said, in part.
Matagorda County Judge Bobby Seiferman said the county’s budget doesn’t allow for “large-scale assistance” efforts without help from the state or federal government.
“As a rural county, our budget does not have the capacity to take on large-scale assistance efforts of this nature,” Seiferman said. “We recently completed a thorough budget process and identified many areas where we would like to provide additional support; however, due to the legislatively imposed revenue caps, we are unable to generate the additional revenue needed to expand these services,” the statement read, in part.
Despite limited funds, Seiferman said the county will continue to rely on its network of food pantries, community food box programs, and volunteer groups that have continued to step up in emergencies.
“Compassion is what defines us as a community,” Seiferman said. “In troubling times, it’s the kindness of neighbors, churches, and local organizations that truly keeps Matagorda County strong. We’ve weathered many storms together, and we’ll continue to support one another through this one as well.”
