Government Shutdown Puts SNAP Benefits at Risk
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is at risk nationwide due to the ongoing government shutdown. The U.S. Department of Agriculture planned to freeze payments to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program starting Nov. 1 because it said it could no longer keep funding it due to the shutdown. The program helps about one in eight Americans buy groceries.
The Trump administration faced deadlines on Monday to tell two federal judges whether it will comply with court orders that it continue to fund SNAP. Delays in routine payments to state agencies have raised the possibility that millions of Texans could lose their SNAP benefits.
Dallas-Fort Worth ranks third among U.S. metro areas for the number of people facing hunger, according to the Map the Meal Gap study by nonprofit Feeding America, which analyzed 2023 data and highlighted a complex reality for Texas and one of its largest metro areas.
What is SNAP and EBT?
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, informally known as food stamps, provides monthly food benefits to low-income households through electronic benefit cards, or EBT cards, known as Lone Star Cards in Texas.
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More than 3 million Texans rely on SNAP each month — about one in 10 residents statewide — according to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.
Who receives SNAP?
SNAP benefits support individuals and families with limited income who need help buying food. In Texas, recipients include working adults with low wages, children, older adults and people with disabilities, according to Feeding America.
In Texas, recipients receive an average of $379 a month in Lone Star Card benefits to use at grocery stores, according to Feeding America. Many recipients are employed but earn below the federal poverty level, making SNAP a critical source of food assistance for working households.
About two-thirds of SNAP recipients live in families with children, and nearly one-third live in households with seniors or people with disabilities, according to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.
What are the new SNAP rules taking effect?
In addition to the risk of delayed funding, new federal eligibility rules will take effect in November. Adults without dependents will face stricter work requirements to continue receiving benefits, according to the USDA Food and Nutrition Service.
The upper age limit for mandatory work participation has increased from 49 to 54 and will rise to 65 by 2026 under the Big Beautiful Bill.
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How many Texans could lose benefits?
Texas has a food insecurity rate of 17.6%, representing 5.4 million people, according to Feeding America. A Newsweek analysis estimates that more than 600,000 Texans could lose eligibility under the new work requirements.
Those most affected are part-time workers and older adults who do not meet new hourly work thresholds.
How vital are SNAP benefits to the local economy?
SNAP benefits inject over $450 million into the Texas economy every month through grocery purchases and retail spending, according to Texas Health and Human Services. Any disruption could impact both households that rely on the program and the local businesses that depend on consumer food spending.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Conclusion
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is a vital source of food assistance for millions of Texans. With the ongoing government shutdown and new eligibility rules taking effect, many Texans are at risk of losing their benefits. It is essential to understand the importance of SNAP and its impact on the local economy to ensure that those in need continue to receive the support they require.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is SNAP?
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federal program that provides monthly food benefits to low-income households through electronic benefit cards, or EBT cards.
Who is eligible for SNAP?
SNAP benefits support individuals and families with limited income who need help buying food, including working adults with low wages, children, older adults, and people with disabilities.
How many Texans rely on SNAP?
More than 3 million Texans rely on SNAP each month, which is about one in 10 residents statewide.
What are the new SNAP rules taking effect?
New federal eligibility rules will take effect in November, which include stricter work requirements for adults without dependents and an increase in the upper age limit for mandatory work participation.
How many Texans could lose benefits?
A Newsweek analysis estimates that more than 600,000 Texans could lose eligibility under the new work requirements, with part-time workers and older adults being the most affected.
