Hunger pains: Amid government shutdown, food banks work to fill the gap
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As if the nation didn’t seem like it was in turmoil already, the country is now walking into its fourth straight week amid a government shutdown.
Governmental services and federal employees feel the heat of the shutdown, and state/local food banks are no different.
Statewide food banks announced Tuesday that they are “ramping up” their emergency response efforts to help support families who are in need — those who have missed paychecks, service members who are at risk of income disruption, as well as SNAP benefit delays beginning in just a few short days on Nov. 1 Although the effects of the government shutdown are not immediate — as time trickles, the domino makes its way from program to program, especially those that are federally funded.
Celia Cole, CEO of Feeding Texas, which is the state association of food banks, said that there are more families who initially didn’t need food assistance before that need it now.
“Food banks are seeing a wave of new faces and families who’ve never needed emergency food assistance before,” Cole said. “We’re doing everything we can to meet the moment, but food banks were already seeing increased need due to rising food costs. The shutdown adds another layer of strain to an already stretched emergency food system. Communities across Texas are feeling the pressure and food banks need additional support to keep up with the growing demand.”
Across the state, there are over 3.5 million people that account for more than 11% of Texas’ total population, who participate in the SNAP program.
In the Rio Grande Valley, three counties served by Food Bank RGV include 310,061 people.
Libby A. Saenz, CEO of Food Bank RGV, shares the same sentiment as Cole as more and more families are in urgent need.
“Here in the Rio Grande Valley, our team is already seeing more families and first-time visitors seeking help as paychecks are missed. Many of our neighbors are worried, unsure if they will receive benefits next month and if they will have food to feed themselves and their families,” Saenz said. “The Food Bank RGV is working hard to prepare emergency food bags and coordinating with our partner agencies to ensure pantries across Hidalgo, Cameron, and Willacy counties have food available. Our resources are finite, so we are asking our community and partners to stand with us through donations and volunteerism so we can keep nutritious food on the table for every family who walks through our doors.”
The key note here is “finite.” Just because “food bank” is in the title of the organization(s), doesn’t mean supplies continuously are provided as if they don’t run out.
SNAP benefits roll out from the 1st to 28th of each month. However, Nov. 1 is on Saturday, if the shutdown continues, that’s another obstacle in the way. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission said it will not be able to issue November benefits on schedule.
In a release by Food Bank RGV and Feeding Texas, it is estimated that about 126,000 people in the state could be affected each day by the delated SNAP payments — including 11,074 in the RGV region. That potentially could mean the loss of over $614 million in food benefits across the state if the shutdown lasts the entire month of November, the release said.
“When you consider that the vast majority of SNAP recipients are children, seniors, and people with disabilities, the stakes become painfully clear,” Cole said. “These are our neighbors, our grandparents, our kids. A delay in benefits isn’t just inconvenient—it’s devastating. It means empty pantries, skipped meals, and added stress for families already living on the edge. Communities across Texas will feel the ripple effects, from our schools to our local economies. This is a moment that demands urgent action and compassion.”
According to data by the Census, the state has 333,392 federal employees and 117,567 armed forces who can be potentially impacted by the shutdown.
“This shutdown is a reminder of how close many families are to facing hunger,” Cole said. “One missed paycheck can mean an empty fridge. Meanwhile, SNAP is a lifeline for millions of Texans, and that lifeline may be paused for the foreseeable future. Food banks will be the first source of emergency food support for millions of Texans whose paychecks or federal benefits may not arrive as expected. This kind of disruption doesn’t just affect individuals — it reverberates through entire communities, straining local resources and deepening hardship for those already struggling to make ends meet.”
Food banks across the state are hosting targeted distributions in areas with high concentration of federal workers to help mend the situation.
“As we respond to this crisis, both public and private support will be absolutely essential to ensure no Texan goes hungry,” Cole said. “Food banks are calling on community members, businesses, and elected leaders to come together and help our neighbors weather these difficult times. Support across sectors allows us to respond swiftly and compassionately, ensuring families have access to nutritious food when they need it most.
As we enter the season of giving, it’s a powerful time for Texans to show up for one another. Whether it’s a donation, a volunteer shift, or simply sharing resources, every action strengthens our collective response. Together, we can help Texans stay nourished and ensure those facing unexpected hardship have access to the resources they need to get through this crisis.”