Millions of Texans Could Lose Food Benefits if Shutdown Continues Past Oct. 27

TEXAS — The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has confirmed that SNAP benefits for November will not be issued if the federal government shutdown continues past October 27.

According to HHSC, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program relies on federal appropriations that are currently halted during the shutdown. If Congress fails to restore funding by the end of October, the state will not have authority to load November food benefits onto Lone Star Cards.

If the shutdown continues and November SNAP benefits are not issued, approximately 3.5 million Texans would be directly impacted — including 1.7 million children who receive food assistance each month, according to the latest HHSC data and reporting by The Texas Tribune.

That figure means nearly half of all SNAP recipients in Texas are children. HHSC says the state’s loss would total roughly $614 million in monthly food benefits that Texas families rely on to buy groceries.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed that federal funding for SNAP benefits only extends through October; without congressional action, there will be insufficient funds to pay November benefits for an estimated 42 million Americans nationwide.

Recent SNAP Participation Trends in East Texas

Although this is a statewide issue, East Texas remains particularly vulnerable to food insecurity. Approximately 235,000 East Texans face food insecurity, with many depending on SNAP as a critical safety net.

In Fiscal Year 2024, roughly 3.19 million Texans — about 10.2% of the population — received SNAP benefits each month, a modest decline from earlier peak years. However, regional demand remains steady due to persistent poverty and limited job access in rural counties.

Recent federal work requirement changes under the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (OBBBA) are tightening eligibility, potentially putting thousands at risk of losing benefits — especially among able-bodied adults without dependents and parents with older children.

The East Texas Food Bank continues to report high demand for assistance, citing ongoing economic pressures such as unemployment and reduced benefit amounts. While some counties have seen minor caseload fluctuations tied to economic conditions, the need for food assistance remains strong across the region.

Current Status of Other Programs

HHSC reports that other major programs — including WIC, TANF, Medicaid, and CHIP — are not currently affected by the federal shutdown.

Officials are urging Texans to monitor the HHSC website and social media for updates and to review the state’s Federal Government Shutdown FAQ (PDF) for details on how benefits could be impacted.