Michael Adkison/Houston Public Media
Students at Wainwright Elementary School in Houston ISD eat their meals provided by the school on Nov. 3, 2025.
As the federal government shutdown enters a second month — and approaches the record for longest shutdown in U.S. history — Texas schools are continuing to provide meals for students.
In a statement last week, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller, a Republican and staunch supporter of President Donald Trump, said federally funded school meal programs across the state “will continue without interruption” in spite of the shutdown.
“The Texas Department of Agriculture has instituted safeguards to ensure that Texas school meals will keep being served and that meal reimbursements will continue to be paid to our school districts on schedule,” Miller said. “Texas schools will keep serving healthy breakfasts and lunches and our students will keep getting the nutrition they need to learn and grow.”
The government shutdown has impacted another safety net food initiative, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), with the Trump administration suspending SNAP benefit payments starting Nov. 1. Two federal judges last week ordered the administration to use emergency funding for SNAP, which serves about 1 in 8 Americans, and the administration said Monday it will partially fund SNAP in November — although it was unclear how soon benefit payments will resume.
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Miller’s office, citing correspondence from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, told Texas Public Radio that federal funding for school meals programs will continue.
Houston Public Media reached out to the largest school districts in southeast Texas for information about their efforts to ensure students have access to meals at their schools. Here is what they’re saying:
Houston ISD
Houston ISD, the largest school district in Texas, said in a news release Monday that it’s expanding its efforts to ensure all students have access to breakfast and after-school dinner plans as well as everyday lunch meals.
Starting Monday, HISD schools are ensuring every student has a meal when they walk onto campus as well as giving them time to have their breakfasts if provided by the school, according to the district.
As for after-school suppers, HISD is expanding its distribution from 132 campuses to 231 campuses to provide meals for students after school hours.
Elizabeth Hernandez, who manages the Wainwright Elementary school cafeteria, said her campus has nearly doubled its breakfast distribution during the government shutdown, from about 180 students to an additional 150 students.
“We’re doing a lot of batch cooking because we’re constantly having kids coming in, and we can’t serve cold food,” Hernandez told reporters Monday. “I wouldn’t want to eat cold food. So that’s one of the main things that we have to maintain working, busy, busy, busy. We’re having to change [staff] time schedules, coming in, going out. We’re just doubling. But that’s what we’re here for. We are here because of our students, because of all the community.”
Katy ISD
Students receiving free and reduced lunches this year will continue to receive their meals through the end of the school year, according to a statement from Katy ISD.
“District students who are currently receiving free and reduced lunches will continue to receive those benefits through the remainder of the school year,” the district told Houston Public Media. “Their parents/guardians have submitted an application or have been directly certified to determine their eligibility which is valid through the end of the school year.”
Conroe ISD
The government shutdown and suspension of SNAP benefits will not affect Conroe ISD’s free and reduced lunch program, according to a spokesperson.
“Conroe ISD would like to assure families that the on-going government shutdown and expiration of SNAP benefits on November 1 will not impact the availability of school meals provided through the district’s Child Nutrition Program,” Andrew Stewart, director of communications for Conroe ISD, wrote in a statement. “The Texas Department of Agriculture is committed to continue providing funding for school meals, and the district will continue to offer nutritious breakfasts and lunches each school day under the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs.”
Aldine ISD and Cy-Fair ISD, which also are among the largest in the Houston area, did not return requests for comment. A spokesperson for Fort Bend ISD said the district could not immediately provide a statement.