The COVID-19 pandemic continues to rain down on Texas and the rest of the nation, necessitating further responses at the local level as lawmakers in Washington, D.C. debate possible aid packages.
Gov. Greg Abbott has announced an additional $204 million in emergency Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program food benefits from the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. A press release from the governor’s office reported the SNAP funds come in addition to approximately $1.7 billion in benefits that have been provided from April to November. The commission received permission from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to provide maximum, allowable SNAP assistance based on family size. The program supplies food to 1.7 million eligible low-income families.
The news comes as the state copes with unemployment concerns. KVUE reported 6.3 million Texans have lost their jobs or been furloughed since March. At least 1.4 million residents still need work, based on recent unemployment data. There are concerns about the mounting debt as the state uses Title XII advances to pay for the unemployment benefits.
There are also food availability concerns. Images of cars lined up for food in areas like Dallas have left a lasting impression on people. The Texas Tribune reported Food Banks have been stretched to the limit and shortages are projected with the scheduled expiration of state and federal programs.
A November survey conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau indicated more than 2.5 million Texans families either did not have enough food sometimes or often prior to the survey. Of those households, 66% are minorities. It comes as a moratorium on evictions is set to end. Two of the main programs that significantly expand federal unemployment programs are also set to end at the end of December.
Meanwhile, Texas continues to do what it can to stem the tide as its economy picks up steam.
"The extension of these emergency SNAP benefits ensures that Texans can continue to provide nutritious food for their families during the COVID-19 pandemic," Abbott said. "I thank the USDA for their ongoing partnership as we provide the support and resources that Texas families need during this time."
