In SNAP’s 60-year history, recipients have never gone without a monthly payment.
According to the Texas Tribune, 3.5 million Texans, including 1.7 million children, are on the Supplemental Nutrition and Assistance Program, known as SNAP. And for the month of November, SNAP has been the topic of many conversations with leaders trying to figure out how to fund benefits, due to the government shutdown.
“I know this can feel like an uncertain time for some folks, but we’re fortunate to have a few great partners, both public and private, who are ready to help connect people with local resources,” Jackson County Judge Jill Sklar said.
So far, payments have been delayed, and on Friday, October 31, two federal judges ordered the Trump administration to fund SNAP after states were notified last month that the USDA wouldn’t be able to pay out benefits.
Although Trump mentioned on social media that SNAP would be funded until the government reopens, USDA have now said they will pay half, at most, of what people would typically receive for the month, but that could still take days to roll out.
The Golden Crescent Regional Planning Commission can help individuals find nearby food banks or pantries and can also connect them with other health and human service programs, Sklar said. One can find out more by calling 2-1-1 or 855937-2372.
The GC mobile pantry distribution is the last Friday of each month, 8:30 to 11 a.m., call 361-578-0591 to register, and the GC senior food box distribution is for people 60 and older and is held on the first Friday of each month from 8:30 to 11 a.m. Both are at Shelby Park.
Another way to find help is to visit the website, yourtexasbenefits. com.
Our local Helping Hands is open on Mondays, from 9 a.m. to noon, and Thursdays at the same time. They keep non-perishables resources on hand.
Sklar also mentioned the Palacios Community Hub in Edna, at 901 S. Wells Street, with people there who are dedicated to helping people in our community. One can call them at 361-759-3441.
In conjunction with their annual Thanksgiving ham sale, the Edna Lions Club is holding a food drive. They are collecting groceries suitable for Thanksgiving dinners, like stuffing mixes, corn, green beans, yams, gravy, non-perishables, and cash, and the Lions Club will provide the main course, a fully cooked ham.
They are accepting donations by contacting any Lion member and dropping off items at Coastal Title Company, Davis Jewelry & Gifts, Prosperity Bank, and the Jackson County Herald-Tribune. The Bayside Community Church Food Pantry is at the Top Hand Event Center every fourth Thursday of the month from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in Ganado, and can be found at 8936 US HWY 59N.
The stalemate has been going on since October first, now causing the longest government shutdown on record.
“Democrats are demanding that Congress address expiring health insurance subsidies and Republicans are refusing to negotiate until the government reopens,” The Texas Tribune stated.
“Hopefully cooler heads prevail in Washington, but from watching the news it doesn’t look like it’s going to end anytime soon,” Edna Mayor Lance Smiga said.
Sklar said we’re all lucky to be living in a community that looks out for one another.
“If you or someone you know could use a little help, please reach out, there are people right here who care and are ready to lend a hand,” she said.
