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.

But on Friday, two federal judges ruled that the Trump administration has to tap existing funds to keep the SNAP food assistance program running. And on Monday, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said the agency would tap into a contingency fund to allow states to issue partial SNAP payments during the shutdown.

Effects of the pause will be especially widespread in Texas, which has the highest population of food insecure people in the country.

The Texas Legislative Progressive Caucus is calling on Gov. Greg Abbott to act now in using the state's Rainy Day Fund to provide funds for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) as the government shutdown may cause those 3.

As the government shutdown reaches its one-month mark, the nation is preparing for the end of SNAP benefits that assist low-income citizens. In Texas, 3.5 million residents rely on food assistance, costing approximately $617 million per month.

Austin-area businesses, churches and nonprofits are offering free meals to help people affected by the delays. Here’s where to get help if you need it and help others if you can.

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

With SNAP delays set to begin Nov. 1 that will impact more than 3.5 million Texans, food banks in the state are bracing for a surge in need.

The government shutdown is leaving North Texans without food assistance as an emergency program launches to prevent evictions and homelessness.

Democrats argue Gov. Abbott has used his authority during COVID-19, the Uvalde shooting and border operations to free up emergency funds.