san antonio tx, October 19, 2025
News Summary
Millions of U.S. recipients could face delays in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payments as the federal government shutdown continues. The USDA has warned states that SNAP funds are running low, and if the shutdown persists beyond October 27, Texas will begin delaying payments starting November 1. In Bexar County alone, approximately 284,000 residents could be affected. Local food banks, such as the San Antonio Food Bank, are experiencing increased demand for food assistance as vulnerable families seek support during this crisis.
San Antonio — A potential delay in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payments is anticipated for millions of U.S. recipients due to the ongoing federal government shutdown.
Immediate impact
The U.S. Department of Agriculture informed states, via a letter sent a week ago, that SNAP funds are running low. States have been advised to prepare for delays in November SNAP payments if the government shutdown persists. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) confirmed that if the shutdown does not end by October 27, payments would be delayed starting November 1.
Scope in Texas and Bexar County
As of August 2025, over 3.5 million people in Texas are eligible for SNAP benefits. Approximately 284,000 of these recipients live in Bexar County, Texas. The shutdown currently does not impact other government programs such as Medicaid, CHIP, TANF, and WIC.
Local food bank capacity and community response
The San Antonio Food Bank has reported an increase in the number of individuals seeking food assistance since the shutdown began on October 1. The food bank reached out to furloughed federal workers to offer assistance during the shutdown. Before the shutdown, the food bank was assisting about 105,000 people each week. The addition of potentially thousands of new SNAP recipients could overwhelm the food bank’s resources. The San Antonio Food Bank is keeping its help line open for those in need, encouraging calls to 210-431-8326 for assistance.
Anticipated demand and preparedness
Eric Cooper, president and CEO of the San Antonio Food Bank, stated that they do not have enough food to meet the expected increase in demand for aid. Cooper expects that up to 57,000 federal workers may seek help from the food bank if the shutdown continues. There are concerns among people, like Stephanie Green from Bandera, about the struggles of families with children relying on SNAP benefits. Many recipients are employing homegrown solutions to supplement their food sources, such as growing their own gardens or raising chickens.
What authorities and advocates are urging
Advocates are urging for a resolution among Washington lawmakers to provide relief for affected families. State and local agencies are preparing contingency plans to manage assistance distribution and to direct people to alternative services where available.
Key takeaways
- A potential delay in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payments is anticipated for millions of U.S. recipients due to the ongoing federal government shutdown.
- The U.S. Department of Agriculture informed states, via a letter sent a week ago, that SNAP funds are running low.
- States have been advised to prepare for delays in November SNAP payments if the government shutdown persists.
- The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) confirmed that if the shutdown does not end by October 27, payments would be delayed starting November 1.
- As of August 2025, over 3.5 million people in Texas are eligible for SNAP benefits; approximately 284,000 live in Bexar County, Texas.
- The San Antonio Food Bank has seen increased demand since the shutdown began on October 1 and may face shortages if the situation continues.
Contact and help
The San Antonio Food Bank is keeping its help line open for those in need, encouraging calls to 210-431-8326 for assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will SNAP payments be delayed?
A potential delay in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payments is anticipated for millions of U.S. recipients due to the ongoing federal government shutdown.
Who informed states that SNAP funds are running low?
The U.S. Department of Agriculture informed states, via a letter sent a week ago, that SNAP funds are running low.
What should states prepare for?
States have been advised to prepare for delays in November SNAP payments if the government shutdown persists.
What did Texas HHSC confirm about payment timing?
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) confirmed that if the shutdown does not end by October 27, payments would be delayed starting November 1.
How many people in Texas are eligible for SNAP benefits?
As of August 2025, over 3.5 million people in Texas are eligible for SNAP benefits.
How many SNAP recipients live in Bexar County?
Approximately 284,000 of these recipients live in Bexar County, Texas.
What has the San Antonio Food Bank reported about supply and demand?
The San Antonio Food Bank has seen a rise in the number of individuals seeking food assistance since the shutdown began on October 1.
Has the food bank reached out to furloughed workers?
The food bank reached out to furloughed federal workers to offer assistance during the shutdown.
How many federal workers might seek help from the food bank?
Cooper expects that up to 57,000 federal workers may seek help from the food bank if the shutdown continues.
How many people did the food bank assist before the shutdown?
Before the shutdown, the food bank was assisting about 105,000 people each week.
Will other government programs be affected?
The shutdown currently does not impact other government programs such as Medicaid, CHIP, TANF, and WIC.
Key features
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Nationwide SNAP impact | A potential delay in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payments is anticipated for millions of U.S. recipients due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. |
| USDA advisory | The U.S. Department of Agriculture informed states, via a letter sent a week ago, that SNAP funds are running low. |
| State warning | The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) confirmed that if the shutdown does not end by October 27, payments would be delayed starting November 1. |
| Texas SNAP eligibility | As of August 2025, over 3.5 million people in Texas are eligible for SNAP benefits. |
| Bexar County recipients | Approximately 284,000 of these recipients live in Bexar County, Texas. |
Timeline
| Date/Time | Event | Status / Source |
|---|---|---|
| October 1 | Federal government shutdown began | San Antonio Food Bank report |
| A week ago | The U.S. Department of Agriculture informed states that SNAP funds are running low | USDA letter |
| October 27 | HHSC deadline for shutdown to end to avoid payment delays | Texas Health and Human Services Commission |
| November 1 | Potential start date for delayed SNAP payments if shutdown persists | Texas Health and Human Services Commission |
Statistics (simple visual charts)
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- KSAT News
- Wikipedia: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
- KENS 5
- Google Search: San Antonio Food Bank
- News 4 San Antonio
- Google Scholar: Federal Government Shutdown
- San Antonio Current
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Federal Government Shutdown
- Fox San Antonio
- Google News: SNAP Benefits
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
