Texans could lose SNAP benefits if Congress fails to reach a deal by tomorrow
Nearly 900,000 people in the Houston area rely on SNAP benefits to buy groceries, but those payments could stop in November if Congress doesn’t reach a deal to fund the government by tomorrow.
Nearly 900,000 people in the greater Houston area rely on SNAP benefits to put food on the table, but those payments could stop next month if Congress fails to reach a deal to fund the government by tomorrow.
The Texas Health and Human Services said SNAP will not be issued in November if the government shutdown goes past Oct. 27.
SEE ALSO: S&P 500 hits record high as government shutdown threatens SNAP benefits in Houston area
The federal government shutdown has already surpassed 25 days, making it the second longest in history.
Houston mother Leondera Levy, who is disabled and raising two children, said she’s bracing for the worst.
“I have to look at my children in the eyes and not be able to feed them,” Levy told KPRC 2. “The holidays are coming up, what are we going to do for food?”
Her concerns are echoed by food pantries across the region that are preparing for a surge in demand.
At the House of Help pantry in Waller County, volunteers say they’re expecting to serve twice as many families if SNAP is paused.
“I’m going to have a lot of them showing up towards the end of the month, looking for more food, especially with Thanksgiving coming, said Tim Chipman, who runs House of Help.
By the numbers
According to data compiled by KPRC 2:
- Harris County: 642,890 residents receive SNAP, averaging about $395 per person each month
- Greater Houston region total: nearly 900,000 residents
- Statewide: more than 3.5 million Texans rely on SNAP to buy groceries
Where to find food assistance if SNAP benefits are paused
HARRIS COUNTY
Houston Food Bank
