Government Shutdown Puts Millions of Texans at Risk of Losing Food Assistance
Millions of Texans are likely to lose government food assistance this weekend due to the ongoing government shutdown, placing an extra burden on food banks and pantries that help hungry families.
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Leaders of several local food banks and pantries told The Dallas Morning News they’re expecting a surge in demand and asked the community to help by donating and volunteering.
Texas officials have echoed guidance from the U.S. Agriculture Department and warned that benefits through SNAP, or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, would end next month if the shutdown continued past Monday.
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In Texas, that means some 3.5 million low-income people could lose benefits starting Nov. 1. Of those affected, 1.7 million are children. Recipients in Texas receive an average of $379 a month via a Lone Star Card to use at grocery stores. Texas has the highest rate of food insecurity in the U.S., according to nonprofit Feeding America.
If you’re looking to help neighbors who may be impacted by the suspension of SNAP benefits, here are a few things you can do.
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How You Can Help
There are several ways you can help your neighbors who may be impacted by the suspension of SNAP benefits. Donating to food banks, volunteering your time, and donating high-demand items are just a few ways you can make a difference.
Give to Food Banks
The North Texas Food Bank partners with organizations in the community to provide food distribution at 500 sites in the Dallas area, according to director of communications Jeff Smith. “With the government shutdown, we’re expecting a significant increase in need,” Smith said.
He encouraged those who want to help to purchase food items online through the organization’s Amazon wish list or consider a monetary donation. For every dollar donated, the North Texas Food Bank can provide three nutritious meals, Smith said.
Those who want to donate food items can do so Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Perot Family Campus at 3677 Mapleshade Lane in Plano. Schools, churches and other community organizations can also register to host a canned food drive where they collect and box food donations.
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Catholic Charities Dallas runs several food pantries in the community, including mobile food pantries that travel to over 90 sites through the nine counties of the Diocese of Dallas. Those interested in donating food should call Jenna Reinke at 469-704-5374 or email hungerinfo@ccdallas.org. People can also give to Catholic Charities Dallas online.
Dallas College offers food pantries that are open to students and, during select times, to community members. Those who want to help can purchase items from each food pantry’s Amazon wish list. Community members who want to donate can contact connections@dallascollege.edu.
Donate High-Demand Items
Food banks look for high-shelf-life foods that won’t quickly expire, according to Smith. His organization says online that its most needed food items include peanut butter, canned fruit, unflavored shelf-stable milk, canned tuna or chicken, low-sodium canned vegetables and trail mix.
Reinke, hunger program manager at Catholic Charities, said her group specifically needs protein right now, like canned chicken and tuna. With the holidays approaching, she said holiday-themed food will be in high demand, including dry stuffing mix.
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Volunteer to Pack and Distribute Food
David Woodyard, CEO of Catholic Charities Dallas, said his organization has seen demand for its services rise over the last six to eight weeks. “We anticipate a significantly higher number as soon as the SNAP benefits stop,” he said. His organization will need volunteers to help cover more shifts as need increases, he said.
Individuals and organizations can sign up to volunteer with Catholic Charities online or by emailing volunteer@ccdallas.org.
The North Texas Food Bank needs volunteers to help pack, box and distribute food, according to Smith. Volunteers can sign up online. They must be 12 years old to participate, and need a chaperone if they’re between the ages of 12 and 15.
