The calls to the Republican governor came as the food stamp program was set to run out of funding amid the government shutdown.

Texas House Democrats sent a letter to Governor Greg Abbott urging him to declare a state of emergency and fund SNAP benefits for 3.5 million Texans who will lose food assistance in November due to the government shutdown.

A federal judge in Boston has indicated that she may intervene and require the federal government to fund the SNAP food assistance program in some way.

Democrats argue Gov. Abbott has used his authority during COVID-19, the Uvalde shooting and border operations to free up emergency funds.

The ongoing government shutdown has halted Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, creating uncertainty for local businesses in Kleberg County that accept the program as payment.

As millions of Texans face food insecurity due to a SNAP benefit pause, small businesses in North Texas are stepping up to feed children in need.

As the federal government shutdown stretches on, families who rely on SNAP benefits are preparing for the possibility that it could pause as early as November 1.