As the federal government shutdown enters its fourth week, food banks across Texas are ramping up emergency response efforts to support families facing missed paychecks and delayed nutrition benefits. With federal employees and members of the armed service in Texas at risk of income disruption, and SNAP benefit delays beginning November 1, the state’s emergency food system is bracing for a surge in need.

Food banks are doing everything they can to meet the moment, but food banks were already seeing increased need due to rising food costs. The shutdown adds another layer of strain to an already stretched emergency food system. Communities across Texas are feeling the pressure, and food banks need additional support to keep up with the growing demand.

Across Texas, food banks are expanding their efforts to meet the urgent needs of federal employees and government contractors who are missing paychecks. According to Census data, Texas has 333,992 federal employees and 117,567 members of the armed forces who could be affected by a government shutdown. In the North Texas Food Bank service area, 40,452 federal employees and 2,584 members of the armed forces could be affected. These numbers do not include their family members who depend on their support. It also does not include federal contract employees.

More than 3.5 million Texans, accounting for more than 11% of the state’s total population, participate in the SNAP program to put food on the table. This includes 460,000 Texans in the 12 counties served by the North Texas Food Bank.

The loss of SNAP benefits for 460,000 of our North Texas neighbors is devastating—and what’s even more heartbreaking is that half of those impacted are children. For families who already budget down to the dollar, losing access to this critical nutrition support means making impossible choices between food, rent, or medicine. At the North Texas Food Bank, we’re working with our network of partners to fill the gap, but the need will far exceed what any food bank system can meet alone. We’re calling on our community to come together with compassion and urgency to ensure no child or family in North Texas goes hungry during this crisis.

As we respond to this crisis, both public and private support will be absolutely essential to ensure no Texan goes hungry. Food banks are calling on community members, businesses, and elected leaders to come together and help our neighbors weather these difficult times. Support across sectors allows us to respond swiftly and compassionately, ensuring families have access to nutritious food when they need it most. As we enter the season of giving, it’s a powerful time for Texans to show up for one another. Whether it’s a donation, a volunteer shift, or simply sharing resources, every action strengthens our collective response. Together, we can help Texans stay nourished and ensure those facing unexpected hardship have access to the resources they need to get through this crisis.

The North Texas Food Bank and its network of 500 partner pantries and organizations are working to keep shelves stocked and mobile food distributions running throughout the shutdown.

If you need food assistance in Dallas, Collin, Fannin, Rockwall, Hunt, Grayson, Kaufman, Ellis, Navarro, Lamar, Delta, or Hopkins Counties, visit ntfb.org/get-help to find a nearby pantry or mobile distribution site.

If you are seeking food assistance in Tarrant, Bosque, Cooke, Denton, Erath, Hamilton, Hill, Hood, Johnson, Palo Pinto, Parker, Somervell, or Wise Counties, search the Tarrant Area Food Bank website for food pantries.

North Texans who want to support their neighbors can help by making a financial donation — every $1 provides three nutritious meals. You can also donate food, host a food drive, or organize a virtual fundraiser. Learn more at ntfb.org.