Shutdown Threatens SNAP Benefits: Food Resources Available Across Jasper, Newton, and Tyler Counties

Continuing Coverage

With the federal government shutdown continuing and no resolution in sight, millions of Americans could soon see disruptions to SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits — including Texans.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), if Congress doesn’t approve funding by October 27, Texas will not be able to issue November SNAP benefits. That means families across Jasper, Newton, and Tyler counties could face food insecurity as early as next month.

For the latest updates on how the government shutdown may impact benefits like SNAP, WIC, TANF, and Medicaid, Texans can visit the Texas Health and Human Services Government Shutdown FAQ page for official information and ongoing announcements.

To help families prepare, East Texas Banner gathered this information from the Southeast Texas Food Bank’s online listings of partner agencies serving our area.

Jasper County Food Assistance

• Faith Temple Church of God in Christ – 650 Pollard St., Jasper

  4th Friday 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

  (409) 594-4267

• Greater Jasper Share – 750 E. Gibson, Jasper

  Mon/Wed/Fri 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

  (409) 336-2210

• Harvest Church – 1501 S. Wheeler, Jasper

  1st Tuesday: Walk-In 9:00–11:00 a.m. & 5:00–6:00 p.m. | Drive-Thru 4:00–5:00 p.m.

  (409) 384-1228

• Kirbyville Christian Outreach – 218 E. Main St., Kirbyville

  Tues/Thurs 12:30–2:15 p.m.

  (409) 423-2569

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Newton County Food Assistance

• Burkeville Food Share – 142 Hwy 63 E, Burkeville

  3rd Thursday 2:30–4:30 p.m.

  (409) 779-8230

• MASA Hope & Community Outreach Center – 657 TX Hwy Spur 272, Deweyville

  2nd Saturday 9:00–11:00 a.m. & 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.

  (409) 988-9505

• Newton Food Share – 509 N. Main, Newton

  2nd & 4th Thursday 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.

  (409) 379-4831

• Trout Creek Baptist Church – 1509 FM 1004, Call

  Last Saturday each month 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

  (409) 622-9800

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Tyler County Food Assistance

• Caring Is Sharing – 308 Beaver St., Woodville

  Mon/Wed/Fri: 9:00–11:00 a.m.

  (409) 283-5800

• Heavenly Blessings – 1408 N. Wheeler Rd., Colmesneil

  2nd & 4th Fridays: 9:00–11:00 a.m.

  (713) 907-7494

• Keniesha R. Beatty Food Pantry – 405 Cobb Mill Rd., Woodville

  2nd Thursday each month: 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

  (409) 781-9785

• Lakeside Outreach – 4712 FM 92 S., Woodville

  Tuesdays 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.; 3rd Saturday 8:00–10:00 a.m.

  (409) 201-8293

• Piney Wood Food Pantry – 13237 FM 1013, Spurger

  1st Saturday 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.; 3rd Friday 2:00–4:00 p.m.

  (409) 679-2615

• Warren Methodist Church Community Food Pantry – 150 Country Rd. 1515, Warren

  3rd Saturday 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

  (912) 656-3139

What’s Happening and Who’s Impacted

SNAP benefits are federally funded through the USDA. When Congress fails to pass a budget, the USDA cannot legally issue new payments — meaning state agencies like Texas Health and Human Services are left waiting until funding resumes.

While programs like TANF, Medicaid, and CHIP remain unaffected for now, SNAP funding depends on federal appropriations. The USDA has instructed states to pause November benefit processing until Congress acts.

States currently impacted or at risk of losing SNAP funding include:

Texas, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Maryland, Illinois, Minnesota, and Oregon, with several others warning of delays or interruptions if the shutdown continues.

This uneven impact occurs because some states have reserve funds or more operational flexibility to stretch available dollars longer than others.

As the federal shutdown drags on, many East Texans are left waiting for answers. East Texas Banner will continue tracking developments from the USDA and Texas Health and Human Services to keep readers informed about benefit schedules, available resources, and local relief efforts. In the meantime, residents are encouraged to use local food resources, stay updated through official channels, and support community partners working to keep East Texans fed.