Here is an ongoing list of resources throughout Texas. This article will continue to be updated. (Courtesy Houston Food Bank)
This article was last updated Nov. 2 at 3:50 p.m.
As the federal government shutdown drags on, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is set to pause its benefits for the month of November, leaving million of low-income Texans unsure about where they’ll get their next meals. The government shutdown started on Oct. 1, due to Republicans and Democrats unable to agree on passing a bill funding government services. Cards were not loaded on Nov. 1, leaving millions of Texas without their benefits. Other states have launched lawsuits against not paying SNAP out, but it is unclear whether the federal government will be able to use emergency funds to help pay them.
There are about 3.5 million SNAP recipients in Texas, with 1.7 million of them being children.
Here is an ongoing list of resources throughout Texas. This article will continue to be updated.
All areas of Texas can call 2-1-1 or visit 211texas.org to find your nearest food bank and the hours they hold. DoorDash is also launching an emergency response program during the shutdown. Feeding Texas also has an interactive map of the nearest food banks. Instacart will be offering SNAP recipients 50% off their next order. Gopuff is donating $10 million in free groceries for SNAP recipients.
Austin
- Central Texas Food Bank will have food drives throughout the month of November. The full list can be found here.
- Kerby Lane Cafés will be offering 20% off of meals for federal employees.
- The Free Fridge Project has locations in Austin.
San Antonio
- San Antonio Food Bank’s full list of distributions can be found here.
- Guadalupe Community Center, St. Stephen’s CARE Center, and SAMMinistries are all Catholic charities that are providing meals.
- Meals on Wheels San Antonio offers meals to seniors at their homes.
- Salvation Army San Antonio Area Command provides emergency food assistance.
DFW
- Tarrant Area Food Bank’s full list of distributions can be found here.
- North Texas Food Bank’s full list of distributions can be found here.
- Some local businesses are offering discounts due to the lack of benefits.
- Mission Arlington is offering emergency food assistance.
- The Arlington Salvation Army has a food pantry that is open on Thursdays.
- Arlington Hearts and Hands assists residents with food and clothing.
- Interfaith Dallas is working to expand its food pantry offerings.
- Funky Town Fridge has outdoors fridges open 24/7.
Houston
- Houston Food Bank will have food drives throughout the month of November. The full list can be found here.
- Christian Community Service Center has a food pantry that low-income families can pick from.
- My Brother’s Keeper offers staple pantry items for those in need.
- United Way of Greater Houston is offering special distributions.
RGV
- RGV Food Bank’s full list of distributions can be found here.
El Paso
