Texas SNAP Benefits Pause: Essential Ways to Get and Provide Support

Where Can I Get Free Food?

If you need food, there are many ways to get help. Food pantries, churches, community fridges, and mobile sites in Texas offer free groceries and meals.

You can check out Feeding Texas to find nearby food banks. Just enter your zip code, and you’ll see local options like produce markets and community kitchens.

Mobile distributors, such as Meals on Wheels, bring fresh food to rural areas and those in need, including the elderly. For example, food banks in Central Texas make about 40 mobile deliveries every month. You can find their November calendar for more details.

Some businesses are stepping up, too. DoorDash is waiving fees for food banks and individuals on SNAP. GoPuff is donating groceries to those who need assistance.

However, there’s been a noticeable rise in the need for food assistance. Some areas, especially with many military workers, have seen a 35% increase in demand, according to Noelle Newton from the Central Texas Food Bank. Newton also pointed out that things might get worse with delayed federal payments and the end of some SNAP benefits.

“Food insecurity is a huge issue right now,” she emphasized. “We need community support more than ever.”

If you’re planning to visit a food pantry, it’s a good idea to call ahead. Check their days and hours, and ask what you need to bring, like an ID or proof of residence.

Community fridges are another option for free food. Local residents and businesses donate food, redistributing around four tons each month. You can find a community fridge near you.

If you need assistance, call 2-1-1 and choose option one for resources in your area, or connect with programs through the Texas Health and Human Services website.

You can find updates about how the shutdown affects services in Texas on the Your Texas Benefits website or through their mobile app.

How Can I Get Help Paying for Food?

If you’re receiving SNAP benefits, you can still use the funds you have, even during the current pause on new payments. According to Amber O’Conner from Every Texan, participants will eventually receive their missed payments once the shutdown is resolved.

“Don’t worry; they will get their benefits,” O’Conner reassured.

You can continue to renew your SNAP applications and respond to any communications from Texas Health and Human Services. Other state programs are still available, and you can apply for help now.

For example, the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program provides money for food to pregnant women, recent mothers, and qualifying children. There’s also Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), which offers broader cash payments, though it has stricter eligibility rules.

If you qualify for SNAP, your children may also be eligible for free or reduced-price breakfasts and lunches at school. You can check if your child qualifies here.

Overall, while times are tough, support is out there. Knowing where to look can make all the difference.

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