Texas – Millions of Texans who rely on SNAP benefits are facing uncertainty as the government shutdown puts these essential programs at risk.
From Houston to the Greater Houston Area, hundreds of thousands could go without food assistance if the shutdown continues into November.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program — better known as SNAP — provides monthly benefits to help families afford groceries. If the government shutdown continues, benefits could stop for millions nationwide, including hundreds of thousands right here locally.
Harris County SNAP Benefits Impact
In Harris County, 642,890 people may not receive their SNAP benefits. That’s 300,486 families who receive $395 monthly in SNAP benefits who could go hungry if the shutdown continues, with children ages 5–17 being the most affected.
Harris County is just one part of the story. Across the region, thousands more families in surrounding counties could also see their SNAP benefits disrupted if the shutdown continues. Here’s a closer look at how other counties could be affected:
Brazoria County
35,211 people
15,790 families
$392/month in SNAP benefits
Most affected: adults 18–59
Chambers County
4,019 people
1,775 families
$401/month in SNAP benefits
Most affected: adults 18–59
Fort Bend County
63,389 people
29,123 families
$385/month in SNAP benefits
Most affected: adults 18–59
Galveston County
37,512 people
18,612 families
$360/month in SNAP benefits
Most affected: adults 18–59
Liberty County
20,821 people
8,604 families
$432/month in SNAP benefits
Most affected: children 5-17
Matagorda County
5,697 people
2,607 families
$378/month in SNAP benefits
Most affected: adults 18–59
Montgomery County
56,273 people
24,540 families
$399/month in SNAP benefits
Most affected: children 5-17
Waller County
5,702 people
2,662 families
$361/month in SNAP benefits
Most affected: adults 18–59
Wharton County
6,170 people
2,686 families
$390/month in SNAP benefits
Most affected: children 5-17
Nearly 900,000 residents across 10 Houston-area counties could lose essential food assistance if the government shutdown continues, and the impact is already being felt by families struggling to put food on the table.
To help inform families in need, KPRC 2 has compiled a list of food assistance resources in the Houston area that offer immediate food relief, meal services, and additional support — without long waitlists or complicated paperwork.
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