Over 3.5 million Texans woke up November 1 without their usual food assistance. The federal government shutdown means SNAP benefits — those Lone Star Cards families count on to buy groceries — won’t arrive this month. More than half of those affected are children.
If you’re wondering where your next meal will come from, you’re not alone. And help is out there.
The SNAP Situation Gets Complicated
Two major changes hit SNAP recipients this fall.
First, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act changed who qualifies for benefits. Able-bodied adults without dependents now must work at least 80 hours a month, pursue an education, or be in a training program to keep receiving SNAP. The age limit for work requirements jumped from 59 to 65, and parents with children 14 or older no longer automatically qualify for exemptions.
Then came the shutdown. The federal government shut down October 1, and by October 27, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced it couldn’t pay November SNAP benefits. Texas alone would have received $614 million in food benefits this month.
This marks the first time SNAP benefits have been interrupted since the program began more than 60 years ago.
H-E-B Steps Up with $6 Million
When Texas families needed help most, H-E-B showed up.
The San Antonio-based grocery chain donated $6 million — $5 million to Texas food banks through the Feeding Texas network and $1 million to Meals on Wheels Texas programs.
H-E-B’s donation arrived at what food bank leaders called “a critical moment.” Brian Greene, president and CEO of the Houston Food Bank, said the support allows them to prepare for the surge in demand and meet people where they are.
The Food Bank of the Golden Crescent received $230,000 from H-E-B. Robin Cadle, the organization’s president and CEO, noted they’re seeing families who’ve never needed help before suddenly turning to them because paychecks or benefits are delayed.
Where to Find Food Right Now
You don’t have to figure this out alone. Texas has a massive network of food assistance ready to help.
Call 2-1-1 First
Dial 2-1-1 and select option one for free, confidential help finding food pantries, meal sites, and other programs near you. The service works in multiple languages.
Find Your Local Food Bank
Feeding Texas runs a network of 20 food banks serving all 254 Texas counties. Enter your zip code at feedingtexas.org to find the food bank nearest you and connect with local partner programs, including produce markets and community kitchens.
Major Food Banks Across Texas
Houston Food Bank: 832-369-9390, 535 Portwall St., Houston 77029. Serves 26 counties including Harris, Fort Bend, Galveston, Montgomery, and surrounding areas.
North Texas Food Bank: 214-269-0906 or 855-719-7627, 4500 Cockrell Hill Road, Dallas 75236. Covers Dallas, Collin, Denton, Tarrant, and 9 other counties.
San Antonio Food Bank: 210-337-3663, 5200 Old Highway 90 W., San Antonio 78227. Serves Bexar, Comal, Guadalupe, and 13 other South Texas counties.
Central Texas Food Bank: 512-282-2111, 6500 Metropolis Drive, Austin 78744. Covers Travis, Hays, Williamson, and 18 Central Texas counties.
Tarrant Area Food Bank: Serves Fort Worth and 13 surrounding counties including Denton, Johnson, Parker, and Wise counties. Search their website for food pantries near you.
Food Bank of Corpus Christi: 361-887-6291 ext. 109, 826 Krill St., Corpus Christi 78408. Serves the Coastal Bend including Nueces, Aransas, and San Patricio counties.
El Paso Food Bank: 915-298-0353, 9541 Plaza Circle, El Paso. Serves El Paso and Hudspeth counties.
South Plains Food Bank: 806-763-3003, 5605 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Lubbock 79404. Covers the Panhandle and South Plains regions.
Community Fridges Offer 24/7 Access
Community fridges provide free food donated by local residents and businesses. Each one redistributes around four tons of food each month. Find one near you through community fridge websites.
Mobile Food Pantries Come to You
Meals on Wheels brings fresh produce, protein, and dry goods to rural areas and those who struggle to access food, especially the elderly. Food banks also offer mobile deliveries — Central Texas Food Bank makes around 40 distributions per month.
Free Thanksgiving Meals
H-E-B hosts annual Feasts of Sharing across Texas throughout November. Operation Turkey delivers Thanksgiving dinners directly to Texas homes.
Businesses Stepping In
DoorDash is waiving fees for partner food banks and SNAP recipients. GoPuff is donating groceries to program beneficiaries.
Before You Visit a Food Pantry
Call ahead to confirm distribution days and hours. Ask what documents you might need — many require a photo ID and proof of residence like a utility bill. Some pantries serve specific geographic areas or limit visits to once per month.
You Can Still Use Your Card
If you have SNAP funds left from October, you can still use them. Unused benefits roll over month to month. Your Lone Star Card still works for any balance remaining.
What Food Banks Need Most
Want to help your neighbors? Food banks desperately need donations right now.
The most needed items include canned proteins (tuna, chicken, beans), canned vegetables and fruits, dried beans, rice, pasta, cereal, and peanut butter. These shelf-stable, nutritious foods have a long shelf life and help families facing sudden benefit disruptions.
Connect on Social Media for Updates
- Feeding Texas: Search “Feeding Texas” on Facebook and Twitter for statewide updates
- Your Local Food Bank: Follow your regional food bank on Facebook and Instagram for distribution schedules and urgent needs
- Texas Health and Human Services: Visit hhs.texas.gov or search “Texas HHS” on social media for benefit updates
- North Texas Food Bank: @NorthTexasFoodBank on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter
- Houston Food Bank: @HoustonFoodBank on all platforms
- San Antonio Food Bank: @SAFoodBank on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter
- Central Texas Food Bank: @CTFoodBank on social media
Don’t Go Hungry
Food bank leaders stress that while their network will help where it can, SNAP provides nine meals for every one meal food banks distribute. The gap is massive.
But Texas won’t let its families go hungry. From H-E-B’s multi-million dollar donation to thousands of volunteers at food pantries across the state, help is available.
You’ve worked hard your whole life. You’ve paid taxes. You’ve been a good neighbor. There’s no shame in needing help right now. Call 2-1-1, find your local food bank, and get the food you need.
This isn’t your fault. And you don’t have to face it alone.
Critical Contact Information
Emergency Food Assistance: Call 2-1-1 (or 877-541-7905), select option 1
Find Food Banks: feedingtexas.org or hhs.texas.gov/services/food
SNAP Questions: Your Texas Benefits website at yourtexasbenefits.com or call 2-1-1
Track Shutdown Updates: hhs.texas.gov or the Your Texas Benefits mobile app
Verify Charities Before Donating: Check Charity Watch or GuideStar to avoid scams
Texas families are resilient. We take care of our own. Get the help you need, and when you’re back on your feet, pay it forward.
