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

With food-stamp funding set to lapse Saturday, recipients are asking what happens to their benefits — and when help might resume.

Effects of the pause will be especially widespread in Texas, which has the highest population of food insecure people in the country.

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.

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.