The Houston Food Bank is preparing for a possible rise in food assistance demand as the federal government shutdown continues.
The shutdown affects federal employees and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients, which may increase the number of people needing aid.
The food bank currently supports about one million people each year, but that number could grow if the shutdown lasts beyond October.
Brian Greene, President of the Houston Food Bank, said the organization’s supply should remain steady unless the shutdown is extended for a long time.
He also noted the immediate impact on federal employees, who may miss paychecks by the end of the month, with military personnel potentially missing multiple paychecks.
SNAP benefits are expected to continue through October and possibly November, but a prolonged shutdown could disrupt access.
The food bank is especially concerned about households that were stable but may now face hardship due to financial uncertainty.
Greene pointed out that more families who were previously stable might need help because of the lack of federal support, which worsens the situation.
To address the expected increase in demand, the Houston Food Bank is seeking community volunteers. People willing to assist are encouraged to register on the HoustonFoodBank.org website.
Food bank leaders are monitoring the federal shutdown closely to manage resources and meet challenges.
