On August 31, 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Food Stamp Act into law, launching what we now know as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). It was a cornerstone of Johnson’s “War on Poverty,” designed to improve nutrition for low-income Americans and support the agricultural economy.
For more than six decades, SNAP has served as the nation’s largest and most effective anti-hunger program. It has fed millions, lifted families out of poverty, and served as a lifeline during times of crisis. Today, for the first time in its history, SNAP benefits will not be issued by the federal government due to a shutdown.
Feeding Texas, the state association of food banks, issues the following statement from CEO Celia Cole on the SNAP payment delays: “Today, for the first time in the program’s proud and proven history, SNAP recipients face a lapse in benefits because of a government shutdown. This is a reality no American should accept, and it should trouble us all to our core. More than 3.5 million Texans rely on SNAP each month to feed their families, and the vast majority of participants are children, seniors, and people with disabilities. Kids, grandparents, and our hardworking neighbors — that is who will be impacted by this pause in critical food aid.
“To those affected: you are not alone. Food banks are here for you. Food banks across Texas are mobilizing, just as they always do in times of crisis. And this is a crisis, one that rivals even the most devastating disasters our state has faced. The 20 food banks in the Feeding Texas network, alongside thousands of local partners—churches, pantries, and everyday Texans—are stepping up to ensure no one is left behind. Together, we are a lifeline. And together, we will continue to show up for our neighbors with food, compassion, and resolve.
“We expect politicians to have disagreements, but everyone can agree that no American should go hungry. Feeding people is not a partisan cause—it is the human response.
“Food banks trade in hope— it’s our superpower. It fuels our work and lifts our spirits when days are long and the challenges are great. As we enter the holiday season, we hold onto hope that solutions will come swiftly to end this crisis. But until those solutions arrive, we remain steadfast in our mission to end hunger.
“Ongoing lawsuits are not a swift solution. Even if contingency funds are released, they represent only partial relief—and the administration has indicated it could take weeks to calculate and distribute them. Congress must fully fund SNAP to avoid confusion and reduced benefits for participants. In the meantime, food banks remain on the frontlines, serving Texans in urgent need. Unfortunately, as of now, this crisis is far from over.
“Today, we ask all Texans to follow the lead of their food banks. Share hope. Spread kindness. Donate what you can. Volunteer. Tell your neighbors where to find help. Sit down and share a meal. These are the acts that will carry us through.
“Food banks cannot do this alone. This is a moment for all of us to stand together to support our fellow Texans. Because no child should go hungry. No family should struggle to put food on the table. And no senior should have to wonder where their next meal will come from.”
Resources to Share:
1. Donation Page: Support from the community helps food banks respond quickly and compassionately to families facing unexpected hardship. While food donations are always welcome, monetary donations go further. Food banks can purchase in bulk at discounted rates, allowing them to stretch every dollar. Financial contributions also help cover transportation, storage, and staffing costs, especially as food banks ramp up emergency distributions in response to the SNAP pause.
If Texans do want to donate food, shelf-stable, nutritious foods are especially helpful during times of crisis. Though the shutdown is a different type of crisis, items like canned proteins, vegetables and fruits, dried beans, rice, pasta, cereal, peanut butter are helpful. These foods have a long shelf life and are simple to store, distribute, and use, especially for families facing sudden disruptions in SNAP benefits.
Highly needed items include:
• Proteins: Canned chicken, tuna, salmon, and dried or canned beans/lentils
• Grains: Brown rice, pasta, oatmeal, and whole-grain cereals
• Canned Goods: Vegetables, fruits, soups, and stews
• Pantry Staples: Peanut butter, shelf-stable milk, crackers
• Baby Essentials: Infant formula and baby food are in especially high demand
• Items Suitable for Dietary Restrictions: Low-sodium, gluten-free, etc.
Most food banks have dedicated webpages with details on how to donate food. Every contribution makes a meaningful impact and helps food banks respond swiftly to the needs of their communities.
2. Government Shutdown Resource Page: Our public-facing landing page provides up-to-date information on how the shutdown is affecting hunger and benefit programs, how to find local food assistance, and ways to support hunger relief efforts in Texas.
3. Find My Food Bank Tool: Texans can locate their nearest food bank by entering their zip code, county, or browsing a full list. Each listing includes links to food bank websites, volunteer opportunities, donation pages, and a 'Find Food Now' button that shows the food bank's food distributions.
Things to Know:
• Even during the shutdown, Texans can apply for benefits and manage their cases at YourTexas-Benefits.com. While November SNAP benefits are paused, unused benefits issued prior to November remain valid. WIC also remains operational.
• Calling 2-1-1 and selecting Option 1 connects callers to local food assistance programs, including pantries and meal sites.
Feeding Texas is a network of 20 food banks and leads a unified effort for a hunger-free Texas. Learn more and find your local food bank at www.feedingtexas.org.