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Texas Gov. Greg Abbott under pressure to use emergency funds for looming SNAP crisis | Houston Public Media

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Friday, October 31st 2025 at 9:46 GMT by Houston Public Media

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The SNAP Funding Crunch

SNAP is the nation’s largest hunger‑relief program, offering nutrition benefits to millions of Americans. In Texas, the program’s funding comes from a mix of federal money (the share of the federal allocation) and state funds to cover administrative costs. Over the past few years, Congress has cut the federal allotment by roughly 5% a year, a trend that accelerated during the pandemic when the federal government temporarily increased the per‑capita benefit but then returned to a lower baseline. The current federal funding level, according to the USDA’s Office of Policy and Programs, is projected to run out by late October 2025 unless additional federal resources are secured.

State officials estimate that, without intervention, the Texas Department of Agriculture’s SNAP administrative budget will be insufficient to process the expected surge in applications from families already stretched thin by inflation, rising housing costs, and a lingering pandemic‑related job loss wave. A shortage would force the state to reduce benefits or delay disbursements, which could result in thousands of families going hungry.

Emergency Funds and Political Tension

The Texas Legislature approved an emergency budget package in the spring of 2025 that earmarked $500 million for “essential services,” including food‑assistance programs. This fund was meant to be a quick‑response mechanism in case of natural disasters or sudden fiscal gaps. Abbott has publicly said that the emergency money could be used for SNAP, but he has repeatedly declined to do so, arguing that the state has not yet exhausted its normal budget line items and that the emergency reserve should remain untouched until a more severe crisis—such as a hurricane—occurs.

The decision has inflamed Democratic lawmakers in the state House and Senate, who have begun a push to compel the governor to use the emergency reserve. Representative Diana M. L. Martinez, a Democrat from Houston, said, “If we’re going to let millions of Texans miss out on nutritious food, then we need to use every tool at our disposal. The emergency funds are there for a reason, and it’s time the governor put them to use.”

In addition, the Texas Food Bank Network—a coalition of nonprofit food‑banks and pantries across the state—has been active in advocating for the emergency reserve. Their spokesperson, Sarah Thompson, told the article, “We’ve seen families in Dallas, Austin, and El Paso who have no options left. They’re asking for help. We’re asking the governor to use the emergency money now.”

The Governor’s Stance

Gov. Abbott’s administration maintains that using the emergency funds prematurely would set a dangerous precedent. In a statement, the governor’s spokesperson said: “While we sympathize with the hardships faced by our constituents, we must preserve the emergency reserve for unforeseen, acute disasters. We will work within the framework of the state budget to ensure SNAP benefits remain uninterrupted.” Abbott, a Republican who has repeatedly emphasized fiscal prudence, noted that the state’s normal budget has been carefully balanced to avoid a deficit. His spokesperson also mentioned that the administration is exploring other options, such as reallocating the state’s 4% surplus earmarked for administrative costs.

Abbott’s comments were taken up by the Texas Board of Public Accounts, which oversees state spending and has requested a detailed report on the projected timeline of SNAP funding. The Board’s report will be released in early November and could influence the governor’s next steps.

Federal Alternatives and Legislative Measures

The article also highlighted the federal efforts to address the SNAP shortfall. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service has indicated that Congress may approve a temporary “Emergency SNAP Supplement” in early November, providing a $30 billion infusion that could extend federal funding until the end of 2026. However, the federal proposal would come with eligibility restrictions and a shorter time horizon, limiting its effectiveness for Texas’s current needs.

Meanwhile, the Texas Legislature is considering a bipartisan bill that would allow the state to draw from its emergency reserve specifically for SNAP. The bill has garnered support from both parties, with Senator Miguel A. Martinez (R‑Lubbock) noting, “We’re not asking for an unlimited line of credit. We’re proposing a one‑time, targeted use of the reserve to cover a proven gap.” The bill’s proponents argue that the emergency reserve was explicitly created for scenarios where the state’s normal budget is insufficient to meet a critical need.

Community Response and Future Outlook

Across Texas, the community is responding in a variety of ways. Food‑banks are extending operating hours, and some are running “no‑checkout” drives to help families with limited transportation. In Austin, a local nonprofit has started a volunteer program to deliver groceries to seniors, while in San Antonio, a group of high‑school students has organized a “SNAPl”—a school‑based program that teaches children about nutrition and helps them track their benefit eligibility.

Despite these community efforts, the urgency remains. The article concludes by noting that the next month is critical. “If the governor decides to use the emergency funds or if Congress passes an emergency supplement, we’ll see a stabilization in the program. But if neither action occurs, the Texas Department of Agriculture’s own forecasts predict that SNAP funding could be exhausted in the next 90 days.” The stakes are high not only for the families directly dependent on the program but also for the broader economy, which could feel the ripple effects of a sudden rise in food insecurity. The unfolding situation will likely set a precedent for how Texas balances fiscal restraint with social responsibility in the years to come.