While the USDA's notice focuses on maintaining equal treatment among shoppers, state-level changes to SNAP are also on the horizon. Texas and several other states are preparing to restrict purchases of certain "junk food" and soft drinks with SNAP benefits beginning in 2026.

The Trump administration on Monday said it will restart SNAP food benefits. However, the payment amount will be cut substantially, and San Antonio residents may not see benefits return until early next week.

The calls to the Republican governor came as the food stamp program was set to run out of funding amid the government shutdown.

The Central Texas Food Bank expects to spend roughly four times its monthly budget to support Austin-area SNAP recipients.

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

Teare called food insecurity one of the largest crime drivers in the world during a press conference on Monday, which came as the Trump administration said it would only restore partial food benefits to SNAP recipients in November.

The Texas Department of State Health Services has warned that if the shutdown persists, SNAP benefits, which many Texans rely on for food assistance, will not be available.