If the federal shutdown continues past Oct. 27, funding for SNAP food assistance will run out in Texas, potentially leaving 3.5 million residents without benefits.

AUSTIN, Texas — As the longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history drags on, SNAP benefits remain in limbo, affecting thousands of low-income Central Texans. However, efforts to keep the community fed aren’t slowing down, with people turning to community-run resources like ATX Free Fridge for help.

The potential SNAP benefit delay could increase growing hunger crisis in Texas, a state which has the highest population of food insecure people in the U.S.

The Central Texas Food Bank expects to spend roughly four times its monthly budget to support Austin-area SNAP recipients.

The calls to the Republican governor came as the food stamp program was set to run out of funding amid the government shutdown.

Families across North Texas are lining up at food pantries as SNAP benefits remain uncertain. Catholic Charities Dallas is expecting demand to surge this month.

Dallas College opens public food pantries Saturday amid SNAP benefits suspension in a North Texas Food Bank partnership

Under a new rule tucked into Trump's Big Beautiful Bill, young adults aging out of foster care must work, volunteer or attend school for at least 80 hours per month to qualify for benefits.