SAN ANTONIO \u2014 The City of San Antonio has finalized a plan to distribute resources for those who will lose SNAP benefits in the city as a result of the continuing government shutdown. In a statement, the city says that it will coordinate efforts between the Department of Human Services (DHS) and Metro Health.<\/p>\n
The distribution plan will prioritize low-income seniors and households with young children experiencing economic hardship. Metro Health will begin distributing gift cards at a\u00a0WIC clinic on Nov. 5. There will be an estimated 300 clinic appointments this week, and another 1,100 the week of Nov. 17.<\/p>\n
\u201cEvery San Antonian deserves access to healthy food. When federal support falls short, our community steps up. I\u2019m grateful to everyone who answered my call for financial support, allowing us to move quickly and get help to those who need it most. Thanks to our local partners and City staff, we\u2019re making sure seniors and families don\u2019t go without essentials during this pause in SNAP benefits. We know this $150 gift card will serve as a lifeline to so many, but the real solution is the federal government up and running as soon as possible,\u201d said San Antonio Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones.<\/p>\n
The city is expected to reach 10,000 residents during the initial phase of the rollout, which is approximately 26% of families served by DHS and Metro Health.<\/p>\n