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 potential SNAP benefit delay could increase growing hunger crisis in Texas, a state which has the highest population of food insecure people in the U.S.

SNAP benefit delays begin Nov. 1 — and the East Texas Food Bank said the state's emergency food system is bracing for a surge in need.

As the government shutdown continues, millions of people in the U.S. could lose their SNAP benefits by Nov. 1, according to the USDA.

Families across Texas are bracing for impact as the government shutdown continues and Congress fails to reach a deal. On Sunday, the USDA confirmed on its website that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits would not be issued on Nov. 1, saying “the well has run dry” and blaming Democrats for the federal gridlock.

About 3.5 million Texans—including 1.7 million children—could lose access to SNAP benefits next month if the shutdown continues.

As the government shutdown halts federal food assistance, North Texas families are turning to food pantries, where demand is surging amid fears of going hungry.

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission said that SNAP benefits for November would not be issued if the federal government shutdown continued past Oct. 27. In North Texas, where grocery prices continue to climb, the loss of Supplemental Nutrition ...