Local Leaders Discuss Central Texas Food Resources, Impact of Federal Shutdown

Austin Mayor Kirk Watson and others share information about resources available in light of impact to SNAP funding

Austin Mayor Kirk Watson and Travis County Judge Andy Brown were joined by leadership from Central Texas Food Bank and United Way for Greater Austin to share information about available resources in light of impact to the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) due to the government shutdown.

Funding for SNAP benefits will end Saturday, Nov. 1, if the federal government does not reopen. The current government shutdown is now the second-longest in history. In Travis County, the loss of SNAP benefits will affect approximately 44,895 households, which represent over 87,000 people.

"This growing need is being compounded by nearly 13,000 federal employees who work within Austin city limits who have already missed at least one paycheck," Watson said. "This doesn't just hurt a few people. These losses hurt children, families and communities. It also places additional pressure on local governments and nonprofits already struggling from losing federal funds earlier this year."

The Central Texas Food Bank, the leading hunger-relief nonprofit in Central Texas, is hosting a special food distribution event on Tuesday, Nov. 4, where people can also receive help signing up for SNAP benefits. The event will run from 5-7 p.m. at Nelson Field, 7105 Berkman Drive.

"During this unprecedented time, we're grateful for our city and county leadership highlighting the issues families are currently facing, many for the first time," said Sari M. Vatske, President and CEO of Central Texas Food Bank. "To those families, we want to let you know that we are here for you and it's okay to seek help. We will do everything we can to ensure children don't go to bed hungry and older adults don't have to choose between food and medication."

For more information on resources and immediate food assistance, those in need can visit Find Food Now. People can also visit United Way of Greater Austin's Find Food, Support, and Ways to Give Back During the Federal Shutdown webpage.

According to CEO Ingrid Taylor, United Way for Greater Austin is ready to help, as they have for decades, connecting community members to assistance for food, utilities, healthcare, childcare and financial support. Taylor emphasized that this help is for anyone who needs it - no screening, no eligibility requirements, and completely confidential.

"Together we can make sure that no one faces hardship alone," Taylor said.

City of Austin Utilities is taking steps to help avoid disruptions in service and providing information on payment flexibility options. The City is also offering a 30-day pause on any immediate collections activity and providing flexible reconnection options should a household be impacted with a service interruption.

The Customer Assistance Program (CAP), administered by City of Austin Utilities, provides a suite of support services for community members experiencing financial hardship, serious medical conditions, or other vulnerabilities that may impact their ability to pay for or maintain utility services.

Additional Resources:
Get help at City of Austin Neighborhood Centers
Austin Public Health Food Distribution Calendar
Austin Climate Action and Resilience food access resources
Travis County food pantry information