Millions of Texans are expected to be impacted by the halt in SNAP benefits next month, as a result of the government shutdown. Austin-area food banks stay open to help those facing food insecurity.

The calls to the Republican governor came as the food stamp program was set to run out of funding amid the government shutdown.

Millions of Texans could lose access to federal food assistance on Nov. 1 as the government shutdown continues.

East Texans who rely on federal food assistance will see their cards dry up, with no benefits issued this Saturday — a result of the second-longest federal government shutdown in American history, placing the responsibility on local food banks’ shoulders.

Newer figures from the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) show only slight shifts. As of September 2025, Harris County still has by far the largest number of SNAP-eligible individuals, while Fort Bend, Galveston, and Brazoria have seen the steepest growth. Montgomery County is the only major Houston-area county showing a decline.

If the federal shutdown continues past Oct. 27, funding for SNAP food assistance will run out in Texas, potentially leaving 3.5 million residents without benefits.

Texas House Democrats sent a letter to Governor Greg Abbott urging him to declare a state of emergency and fund SNAP benefits for 3.5 million Texans who will lose food assistance in November due to the government shutdown.

As millions of Texans face food insecurity due to a SNAP benefit pause, small businesses in North Texas are stepping up to feed children in need.

With SNAP delays set to begin Nov. 1 that will impact more than 3.5 million Texans, food banks in the state are bracing for a surge in need.