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

East Texans who rely on federal food assistance will see their cards dry up, with no benefits issued this Saturday — a result of the second-longest federal government shutdown in American history, placing the responsibility on local food banks’ shoulders.

Travis County and Austin city leaders are expected to discuss the pause of the SNAP benefits, and how it impacts Central Texas.

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.

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

Newer figures from the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) show only slight shifts. As of September 2025, Harris County still has by far the largest number of SNAP-eligible individuals, while Fort Bend, Galveston, and Brazoria have seen the steepest growth. Montgomery County is the only major Houston-area county showing a decline.

SNAP benefits will pause on Nov. 1 due to the partial government shutdown. Here's what to know about the issue, other resources and how to help.