Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, benefits for low-income individuals were not released on Nov. 1 as the ongoing government shutdown has resulted in the temporarily halting of federally-funded programs.
In a ruling made Friday, Oct. 31, a federal judge ordered the federal government to use SNAP contingency funds — budget saved for emergencies — by Wednesday, Nov. 5. However, the ruling has left SNAP users in limbo. Gina Plata-Nino, interim director of the Food Research and Action Center, said it was uncertain how quickly the Trump administration would follow through on the judge’s orders.
“While these rulings mark significant progress, they do not immediately resolve the crisis,” Plata-Nino said. “The process of getting benefits into recipients’ accounts will still take time, and it remains unclear how quickly the Administration will comply. ”
The funds will not be enough for regular benefits, though, as the $5.3 billion stored is less than the $8 billion required to sustain the entire program. Students reliant on SNAP will thus have partial or no benefits until a permanent solution can be found.
Students seeking food assistance while benefits are not available may find aid on campus from the Comet Cupboard, which operates during business hours on weekdays, or the UTDPD, which offers an emergency food bag when the Comet Cupboard is closed. Additionally, students can access off-campus food pantries, at the following locations:
Out of Texas’ 1.5 million college students, 240,000 are enrolled on SNAP. Though exact data on UTD SNAP enrollment is private, according to the UTD Basic Needs Report, last updated in Spring 2024, 35% of UTD students could not afford to eat a balanced meal and 24% of students said they ran out of food in the past month and could not afford to buy more.
In preparation for the expected increase in need, nearby pantries are increasing supplies. Director of Local Good Pantry Tracy Parlin said the potential dissolution of SNAP benefits will hit students especially hard since they already have the stress of classes and oftentimes a new environment.
“With SNAP ending, people will have to make really hard choices,” Parlin said. “Especially for students, they need to have a healthy meal in their body. Without food, it affects their whole being: health, spirit, everything.”
With SNAP ending, people will have to make really hard choices.
— Tracy Parlin, director of Local Good Pantry
Across 12 counties, the North Texas Food Bank serves 40,000 unpaid federal workers and now 460,000 individuals on SNAP who may be looking for assistance. Even with the potential increase in need, Director of Communication from North Texas Food Bank Jeff Smith said NTFB is prepared.
“We’re certainly prepared to serve the appropriate support,” Smith said. “We’re not equipped to [continue] that long-term. The concern is if this continues for several weeks.”
While past government shutdowns have extended SNAP benefits, even when other federally-funded programs were halted, this shutdown may be different. This shutdown is on track to become the longest shutdown on record. Even with the use of contingency funds, as ordered by the federal judge, SNAP will not be able to survive through December should the shutdown continue.
College students face increased hurdles to enrol in SNAPl, such as ineligibility based on meal plans, leading to an underusage of the SNAP program as only 40% of eligible students are actively enrolled. Students may check their eligibility through the Student Basic Needs Coalition.
In a public statement, the Texas Department of Health and Human Services said that individuals still needing help with food can call 2-1-1. After selecting a language, users should dial 1 for community-based resources.
“One of the largest reasons students drop out is food related,” Smith said. “They’re getting housing and tuition but food isn’t covered. Anyone that finds themselves impacted by food insecurity should find the nearest distribution centers near them.”
This is a breaking news story. The Retrograde will provide more details as new information emerges.