Families across the Panhandle begin feeling shutdown impacts

AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) – Families across the Panhandle and Eastern New Mexico are already feeling the impact of the ongoing federal shutdown, as uncertainty continues over the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, commonly known as food stamps.

On Friday, two federal judges ruled that the government must continue SNAP payments during the shutdown. However, those expecting benefits at the beginning of the month will still experience delays, as not all needs are covered. Additionally, when and if they’re released, the process of loading cards will also be delayed.

The U.S Department of Agriculture initially said it would use emergency funds to maintain food assistance during the shutdown. The Trump administration reversed course, stating that the agency would not be able to do so without congressional funding.

In a Truth Social post on Friday, President Trump stated that he has instructed his lawyers to seek further clarification from the courts on how his administration can fund SNAP.

Texas Republican Senator John Cornyn said that he introduced a bill to restore funding for SNAP and prevent families from losing access to food assistance.

“There are 40 million people, roughly, who depend on this safety net program. And as a result of the government shutdown, that’s no longer going to be available after November 1st,” Cornyn said. “So I thought it was important to at least try to start the conversation about how we can eliminate this vulnerable population as collateral damage from this mistaken, misguided, really dumb shutdown.”

Cornyn said the U.S House of Representatives passed a short-term funding measure to keep the government open through late November, but called it a temporary fix.

Republican Senator from Oklahoma, James Lankford, said families and federal employees nationwide are already being affected.

“We’re approaching a time where snap beneficiaries aren’t getting support federal government employees all over the country have not received a second paycheck it’s all kinds of problems that are contagions around the country head start all kinds of issues and so a few of them have now said okay let’s talk about some way to be able to get out of this,” Lankford said.

Democratic Representative Teresa Leger Fernandez, who represents New Mexico’s Third Congressional District, said the situation could have been avoided if the administration had used available USDA funds to maintain benefits during the shutdown.

“President Trump is refusing to give somebody to eat when they are hungry. He is acting against everybody’s moral values, because the money is sitting there. He has the authority to do it. Congress sent the money over to USDA in advance so it would be available in a situation like a shutdown,” Fernandez said.

Fernandez said that about one in five New Mexicans relies on SNAP benefits, which not only feed families but also support local economies.

“We know that those benefits don’t just feed the hungry. They also create economic activity in their area, like 1.8 times. So for every dollar spent, you get about almost $2 worth of economic activity because you’re buying from farmers, ranchers, from grocery stores,” Fernandez said.

Food banks, including the High Plains Food Bank, said that they’re already preparing for an increase in demand as families face delays in food assistance.

The state association of food banks, Feeding Texas, said food banks will remain ready to support Texans in need.

“The solution is clear. Congress must fully fund SNAP to prevent confusion and provide complete benefits. Until that happens, food banks will continue serving Texans in urgent need, including families facing delayed benefits and the thousands of federal workers experiencing income disruptions. Unfortunately, as of now, this crisis is far from over,” CEO of Feeding America, Celia Cole, said in a statement.

Officials from Feeding Texas are asking for monetary donations as well as food donations. Highly needed items include:

• Proteins: Canned chicken, tuna, salmon, and dried or canned beans/lentils

• Grains: Brown rice, pasta, oatmeal, and whole-grain cereals

• Canned Goods: Vegetables, fruits, soups, and stews

• Pantry Staples: Peanut butter, shelf-stable milk, crackers

• Baby Essentials: Infant formula and baby food are in especially high demand

• Items Suitable for Dietary Restrictions: Low-sodium, gluten-free, etc.

For more information on where to find food resources, organizations, and restaurants in the area that are helping individuals and families during the loss of SNAP benefits, click here.