H-E-B has donated $6 million to food banks and senior meal programs in Texas as the federal government shutdown threatens to delay Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits starting Nov. 1.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture warned that states may be unable to release SNAP funds in November if the shutdown continues.
More than 3.5 million Texans, including 1.7 million children, rely on SNAP for monthly groceries. Food banks have started preparations for increased demand in case federal assistance lapses.
Celia Cole, CEO of Feeding Texas, underscored that families already under financial stress could face immediate food shortages if benefits pause.
H-E-B allocated $5 million to food banks across Texas and $1 million to Meals on Wheels programs that serve homebound seniors. The company said the aid seeks to address food insecurity during the shutdown. The donation falls under H-E-B’s Food Bank Assistance Program, which has supplied more than 1.5 billion pounds of food since 1982.
The funds will support major hubs such as the Houston Food Bank, Central Texas Food Bank, and San Antonio Food Bank. The Houston Food Bank reported an increase in people seeking assistance due to high grocery costs and inflation.
Houston Food Bank President and CEO Brian Greene said the organization expects demand to rise further if SNAP payments stall. He said the donation will help them prepare for that scenario.
Officials have urged SNAP recipients to monitor updates and look for alternative food support options if federal benefits are disrupted.
