SNAP recipients and federal employees are leaning on their communities for support as the federal government shutdown drags on, halting food stamp payments and workers’ paychecks.
The Trump administration on Tuesday announced plans to distribute partial SNAP payments after federal judges ordered it to release the food assistance funds. More than 67,000 households in El Paso County receive benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, according to state data.
El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Food Bank is expecting an increase in patrons, while other private and public organizations have stepped in to provide free food to families.
Here are meal distributions, food pantries and resources around El Paso – and how you can help their operations. Check social media or call ahead for changes in availability.
Free Meal Distributions
Birria El Güero
Birria ramen at the food truck, starting at noon from Thursday to Friday and 10 a.m. from Saturday to Sunday 3800 N. Zaragoza Road. 915-232-7364, Instagram.
Cafe Piro
“Pozolito special” 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays, 9993 Socorro Road, Socorro. Instagram
How to help: Owners ask supporters to “pay it forward however possible.”
Coffee Waffle
Meals during business hours. 13178 Alameda Ave., Clint. 915-232-1356, Facebook.
Food Not Bombs
Old Sheepdog Brewery
Breakfast burrito for federal government employees, SNAP beneficiaries and their family members during business hours. Must bring a government ID or EBT card. 3900 Rosa Ave. 915-702-0055, Instagram.
How to help: Volunteer in the kitchen with a Texas food handlers card.
The bag lunches that Isca Zeledon readied for children in need include an easy-to-prepare meal such as ramen or canned ravioli, a drink, a snack, and a piece of candy, Nov. 3, 2025. (Corrie Boudreaux/El Paso Matters)
Mexican Candy Lady
Ramen and snack bags to children younger than 12, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Children must be present. 12301 Rojas Drive, Suite A4. 915-335-0113, Instagram.
Mustard Seed Cafe
Lunch provided 11 a.m.-2 p.m. from Wednesday to Friday, Westside Community Church, 201 E. Sunset Road, El Paso. 915-440-7333, Website
How to help: Donate or become a volunteer.
Pete’s Plate – UTEP Women’s and Gender Studies
Warm meals, sandwiches and snacks for students and staff 8 a.m.-5 p.m. from Monday to Friday, University of Texas at El Paso, Liberal Arts Building, Room 233. 915-747-5200, Instagram.
How to help: DM on Instagram or email hontiberos@utep.edu.
Sabrositos Antojitos de Mexico
Bean burrito for every child or teenager, who must be present for pickup, during business hours. 919 Fabens Road, Suite F, Fabens. 915-873-5024, Instagram.
How to help: Add a 99-cent bean burrito to your order to pay it forward.
Students at Eastlake High School pass through the cafeteria after school for a free dinner that is available to any Socorro ISD resident 18 and under, Nov. 3, 2025. (Corrie Boudreaux/El Paso Matters)
Socorro ISD Supper Program
Dine-in meals for children ages 1-18, from Monday to Thursday.
Eastlake High School from 4:15 to 4:45 p.m.
Desert Wind School, Ernesto Serna Elementary, Robert R. Rojas Elementary, Dr. Sue A. Shook Elementary and Vista del Sol Elementary from 3:15 to 3:45 p.m.
Spoon Flower Grocery
Sack lunches available during business hours. 1714 Yandell Drive. 915-219-8900, Instagram.
How to help: Donate.
Weirdoughs Bakery
Egg and cheese sandwich for children during business hours. 2900 N. Mesa St. 915-231-6378, Instagram.
You Eat I Eat
Food pantry and meal distribution 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8888 Dyer St., No. 412. 915-222-4740, Facebook.
How to help: Call or email youeatIeatcorp@gmail.com.
Food Pantries and Free Groceries
Borderland Rainbow Center
El Paso Community Foundation
Tomatoes and an assortment of fruits and vegetables at the El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Food Bank, 9541 Plaza Circle, are prepared to go to help families in need, March 17, 2025. (Luis Torres / El Paso Matters)
El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Food Bank
8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. from Tuesday to Friday, 9541 Plaza Circle.915-298-0353.
How to help: Donate or volunteer.
Food pantries the food bank distributes to include, but are not limited to:
ALaMITO STREAM Learning Center: Operated by El Paso Independent School District, but open to anyone in the community. First Tuesday of the month, starting at 10 a.m.
Irvin High School: Serves families in the school’s feeder pattern, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.. Thursdays, 5400 Sanders Ave. Contact aidelaho@episd.org for ways to help.
Guillen Middle School: Serves families in the Bowie High School feeder pattern, 1-6 p.m. Thursdays, 900 S. Cotton St. Contact aidelaho@episd.org for ways to help.
El Paso Community College – Valle Verde Campus: Valid EPCC student ID required.
Kelly Center for Hunger Relief: 9 a.m.-2 p.m Tuesday-Friday and 9 a.m.-noon Saturday.
La Familia del Paso: 8-10 a.m. Wednesday, 415 E. Yandell Drive. Organizers advise to arrive early and bring your own box or bag to transport your food. 915-532-9434.
Ysleta Lutheran Mission: 6:30-8:30 a.m. Saturdays, behind Food King, 301 S. Schutz Drive. 915-858-2588.
For a map of distribution locations, including more churches, visit elpasoansfightinghunger.org/map. You can contact each location to find out how to donate or volunteer with them directly.
RELATED: One-third of community college students are food insecure. Here’s what EPCC is doing
Food City
Applications are on pause for gift cards to SNAP recipients and federal workers, but people can follow the grocery store’s website and social media for when applications reopen.
How to help: People can purchase gift cards to donate at any Food City location in El Paso or make a large donation at 915-779-3641.
Rosies Dhaba
Food packages that include dry and canned goods available at food truck. Weekly schedule posted online. 915-667-3899, Instagram.
How to help: Bring canned goods and shelf-stable food, such as unopened tortillas, to the food truck. You can also drop off hygiene and baby products, such as formula.
University of Texas at El Paso
Food Pantry: For students and staff. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. 101 W. Robinson Ave., El Paso. Instagram.
Mobile Food Pantry: For students and staff. Monday, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Glory Road Parking Lot (GR2). 915-747-5076, foodpantry@utep.edu.
To find more food pantries near you, search your ZIP code on the Texas Health and Human Resources website here.
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Priscilla Totiyapungprasert is a health reporter at El Paso Matters and Report for America corp member. She previously covered food and environment at The Arizona Republic.
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