With SNAP benefits on hold, thousands turn out for food distribution in Houston | Houston Public Media

Food Distribution Draws Thousands as SNAP Benefits Halted

Cars began lining up around 6 a.m. Saturday at Houston's NRG Stadium for a special grocery distribution aimed at SNAP beneficiaries and federal workers affected by the government shutdown. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funding was frozen, causing widespread concern among recipients.

Impact of SNAP Funding Freeze

Itzel Perez, who has spina bifida and was waiting with her two dogs, Luna and Mekito, spent nearly three hours in her car at the distribution site. She received a call before the event confirming her benefits had been cut off.

"There are other people that cannot work, or they have disabilities also. There's other people that are probably more in need than I am."

Perez is a stay-at-home wife relying on the assistance, highlighting the challenges faced by many during this period.

SNAP Program Overview

Legal and Administrative Developments

Last week, two federal judges ordered the Trump administration to use emergency funding to support SNAP, which assists one in eight Americans. The administration announced partial funding for SNAP for November, but the timeline for resuming regular benefits remains unclear.

Local Response to Government Shutdown

Since the shutdown began on October 1, the Houston Food Bank has initiated plans to supply food assistance to Houston residents throughout November, aiming to ease the effects of the SNAP interruption.

Summary: Thousands turned out in Houston for emergency food distribution after SNAP benefits were paused due to the government shutdown, highlighting the program's critical role for millions nationwide.

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Houston Public Media Houston Public Media — 2025-11-04

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