AUSTIN, Texas \u2014 For many Texans, the beginning of November brought uncertainty, leaving millions unsure of where their next meal may come from now that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits have lapsed due to the government shutdown.<\/p>\n
As food insecurity deepens, food banks across the Lone Star State are stepping in to ensure no one goes hungry during the holiday season.<\/p>\n
On Tuesday, the Central Texas Food Bank distributed 23,5000 turkeys and essential groceries to Central Texas residents, more than double the amount served last year, according to KXAN<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cHunger doesn\u2019t take a holiday, and neither do we,\u201d said Sari M. Vatske, president and\u00a0CEO of the Central Texas Food Bank. \u201cEvery turkey distributed represents the belief that no table should remain empty during the holidays.\u201d<\/p>\n Pflugerville Stadium welcomed over 600 families on Tuesday morning for the distribution. That night, even more flooded the parking lot of Nelson Field in northeast Austin for a separate distribution by the Central Texas Food Bank.<\/p>\n To meet increased needs, the Central Texas Food Bank said it has invested $1.3 million each month so shelves remained stocked into the new year. However, the organization said its situation is not sustainable long-term.<\/p>\n \u201cThe need is urgent and growing,\u201d said Vatske. \u201cWe are steadfast in focusing on ensuring every Central Texan has food on the table year-round and this holiday season.\u201d<\/p>\n