Millions of families across Texas and thousands in the DFW area facing the loss of SNAP benefits next month.
PLANO, Texas — It’s already difficult for Kyrin Elmore, who is far from her home-state of Florida. But as a single mother with two boys, it’s even tougher.
Her youngest son has autism, and she’s doing everything she can to provide for her two boys.
“It’s something I don’t want them to ever worry about. I would rather worry about it,” Elmore said.
Elmore’s family is one of millions across Texas and thousands in the DFW area facing the loss of SNAP benefits — the government assistance program that helps families buy food. Those benefits are ending on Nov. 1, a direct result of the ongoing government shutdown.
“And their not doing something is doing something to millions of Americans. There’s a fear I’ve never really seen before,” said Cheryl Jackson of Minnie’s Food Pantry.
That fear is shared by many in North Texas. Cheryl Jackson, founder of Minnie’s Food Pantry in Plano, knows the struggle all too well.
“If you’ve never been in this position, let me speak and say you could be here,” Jackson said.
Elmore received a notification on her phone confirming the end of her benefits. The message left her with a mix of emotions.
“Anxiety, a little bit of fear, trying to have faith in God that God is going to provide…” she said.
Elmore juggles multiple jobs — cleaning houses, driving for Uber, and working part-time at Home Depot — but those few hundred dollars from SNAP made a real difference.
“Everybody is about to go into survival mode, everybody,” Jackson warned.
Even food banks are feeling the strain. Jackson says she knows it’s bad when the crates are empty — and when donors are now asking for help themselves.
“This is where we stand. This is where we are today. Come back next week and there could be nothing on our shelves as well.”
For Elmore, she can’t help but reflect on simpler times.
“I used to wanna be an adult so bad and now I wish I could go back for just a moment.”
It’s a sentiment shared by many across North Texas — families wishing for stability in uncertain times.