Feeding Texas Issues Statement on End of Government Shutdown
VP of Marketing & Communications
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For Immediate Release: 11/13/2025
Contact: Wesley Story
wstory@feedingtexas.org
TEXAS – President Donald Trump signed a government funding package at the White House late last night, formally ending the longest government shutdown in U.S. history.
Feeding Texas, the state association of food banks, issues the following statement on the end of the government shutdown:
“We are thankful that the longest government shutdown in U.S. history has finally ended, but its impact on Texans remains. Throughout this unprecedented 43-day period, food banks were here every step of the way, helping families navigate uncertainty. Whether it was federal employees facing income disruptions or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients dealing with delays and reduced benefits, our network worked tirelessly to deliver relief—making sure every person who turned to us had access to the nourishing food they needed.
“This shutdown reminded us of a sobering reality: countless Texans are just one unexpected emergency or missed paycheck away from needing help—whether from a food bank or with assistance from the SNAP. It also reinforced an important truth: SNAP remains the nation’s largest and most effective anti-hunger program.
“Unfortunately, the shutdown also fueled misinformation about who participates in SNAP, so let’s clear up some of those falsehoods. The vast majority of the 3.5 million Texans who receive assistance through SNAP are children, seniors, and people with disabilities. They are people deserving of dignity, doing everything they can to get by. They are our neighbors. They are hardworking families with jobs who still don’t earn enough to afford the food they need. They are the veterans who have risked their lives to protect us and our nation. They are Texans who are often forced to make heartbreaking choices between food, medicine, and other basic necessities. Many live paycheck to paycheck, just like so many others across our state.
“Even now, as federal employees and SNAP participants wait to be made whole, food banks continue to provide critical support. At the same time, food banks are working urgently to replenish inventories ahead of the holiday season. Food is going out faster than it’s coming in, and we need help from both public and private partners to keep up with growing demand.
“This crisis didn’t begin with the shutdown. Rising food prices and significant funding losses over the past year have compounded challenges for Texas families—and for food banks. Food is more expensive, and the need is greater than ever. Even after federal employees receive back pay and SNAP benefits are fully restored, we know our lines will be longer this Thanksgiving than they were last year.
“As we enter the holiday season, Texas food banks remain committed to ensuring families have the food they need. This season of giving is an opportunity for all Texans to make a difference by supporting their local food banks. If you or someone you know needs assistance, or if you’d like to make a donation, visit www.feedingtexas.org/food-banks/ to find your nearest food bank.”
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Feeding Texas is a network of 20 food banks and leads a unified effort for a hunger-free Texas. Learn more and find your local food bank at www.feedingtexas.org.
