Houston Independent School District (HISD) has widened access to its free meal programs as families feel the strain of delays in federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funding caused through the ongoing government shutdown.
At Wainwright Elementary School, cafeteria staff have seen a sharp rise in participation, with daily breakfast numbers increasing from fewer than 100 students to around 180.
Meals are also being served to siblings who are not enrolled in the school. Elizabeth Hernandez, the cafeteria lead, shared that both breakfast and lunch servings have grown significantly in recent weeks.
To meet the increasing demand, HISD expanded free breakfast and after-school supper programs across multiple campuses. District officials stated that the initiative aims to help families struggling with the financial impact of disrupted federal aid.
Meanwhile, SNAP — a key source of nutrition assistance for millions of Americans — faces uncertainty. A recent court filing revealed that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) plans to offer only partial benefits for November, using contingency funds that will soon run out.
Patrick Penn, Deputy Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition & Consumer Services, confirmed that these funds will cover reduced benefits through the month but leave no resources for new applicants or emergency needs.
Federal judges in Rhode Island and Massachusetts have ordered the USDA to utilize emergency reserves to sustain benefits despite the shutdown.
In Rhode Island, the court directed the agency to rely on congressionally approved contingency funds due to the shutdown’s economic impact.
In Texas, Governor Greg Abbott’s office has not indicated whether the state will use its surplus to assist SNAP recipients.
Speaking with KPRC 2 News, Abbott urged federal lawmakers to act: “There’s a simple and immediate solution to this problem that could be achieved tomorrow. Senate Democrats should immediately end their government shutdown through approving legislation that already passed the U.S. House that will fully fund the government and ensure Texans don’t go hungry. While Democrats use low-income Texans as bargaining chips, Texas agencies are coordinating with community partners to connect families to existing assistance until the federal government gets back to work.”
The shutdown’s effect on federal nutrition programs has created a growing reliance on local support systems. Through its expanded meal services, HISD continues to play a vital role in addressing food insecurity among Houston families — providing relief and stability during an uncertain time.