The USDA has stated that because of the federal government shutdown, no SNAP benefits will be delivered to more than 40 million Americans.
SAN ANTONIO — The weeks-long government shutdown has stretched into its 30th day, leaving millions of families across Texas uncertain about how they’ll put food on the table. In the meantime, Rep. Joaquin Castro (D-San Antonio) is calling on Congress to act and re-open the government.
“This is the first time in SNAP’s 60-year history that the federal government is refusing to provide assistance to families,” Castro said during a visit to Inner City Development, a nonprofit organization that provides an array of social services on San Antonio’s west side.
The absence of Washington lawmakers to agree on legislation has prompted the shutdown, leading to roughly 3.5 million Texans who rely on SNAP benefits, to brace for the future and stock up on food from local nonprofits.
Inner City Development co-founder Patti Radle said demand for emergency food packages has skyrocketed since the shutdown began.
“Usually, we have two or three families a day that come in for groceries,” Radle said. “Yesterday, we had 10.”
The organization has long served as a safety net for struggling families. But volunteers stressed the strain is growing as more residents, including older adults and the homeless community seek help.
“Our young students, our teenagers, they’re coming home to parents who are struggling,” said Rosalinda Cisneros, a volunteer. “Even our college students are hanging on by a thread. They also have to eat.”
Castro blamed Republican lawmakers and former President Donald Trump for the shutdown stalemate, while conservative leaders argue Democrats are at fault for refusing to compromise.
Despite the finger-pointing, Castro urged people not to lose hope.
“I don’t want people to be completely pessimistic,” Castro said. “There are many folks fighting to make sure the government opens as soon as possible.”
Castro is calling on Gov. Abbott to tap into rainy funds to help Texas families during these uncertain times.
Abbott is pushing Senate Democrats to back legislation passed by the House that would reopen the government:
“There’s a simple and immediate solution to this problem that could be achieved tomorrow. Senate Democrats should immediately end their government shutdown by approving legislation that already passed the U.S. House that will fully fund the government and ensure Texans don’t go hungry. While Democrats use low-income Texans as bargaining chips, Texas agencies are coordinating with community partners to connect families to existing assistance until the federal government gets back to work.”