SAN ANTONIO — SAN ANTONIO – For families living paycheck to paycheck, the first of the month is a crucial time when food budgets reset.

However, those who rely on federal assistance programs like SNAP are facing uncertainty due to the ongoing government shutdown.

Kateryna Cigepur, who fled the war in Ukraine, expressed her concerns, saying, “Before the shutdown I had food stamps, like snap, and now it’s done.” She now worries about how she will feed her young daughter.

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The shutdown, which began on Oct. 1, has entered its 27th day, making it the second longest on record. Gloria Gaitan, another affected individual, shared her hopes for a resolution: “I wish they would come to a resolution with this shutdown. I hope that they’ve come to a decision and a good one for the people because we all need help right now.”

According to Health and Human Services, Bexar County SNAP recipients received an average of $385 a month in August. Gaitan mentioned, “I think right now I’m managing okay, but yes, there are times that I can’t do a little extra things, I just make do with what I have.”

Local organizations like Eagles Flight Advocacy & Outreach and the San Antonio Food Bank have been working tirelessly to support the community. Sophia Peralez, the Empowerment Director at Eagles Flight Advocacy & Outreach, said, “You got to pray before you come in, like, Lord, just help us, help them. And there’s one thing that I’ve continued to tell people when they come in, and it’s we’re here to help you.”

Efforts to address the situation are ongoing. Sen. John Cornyn’s office stated that he has voted 12 times to reopen the government and that his office is fully staffed and ready to assist Texans in need of federal assistance.

“Senate Democrats have now voted 12 times against funding the government, which includes funding for SNAP,” said Senator Ted Cruz. “Food banks in Texas and across the country are doing everything they can to help those who rely on SNAP to feed themselves and their families. A food bank in Killeen, Texas, saw a 60% increase in military families seeking food during the shutdown. Democrats care more about providing healthcare for illegal aliens than ensuring that American citizens, including military families, mothers, and babies, have access to food.”

Eagles Flight Advocacy and Outreach said its pantry has temporarily run out of food and will remain closed until Thursday.