AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) – On November 1, approximately 42 million people across the United States could see their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) assistance dry up amid the ongoing government shutdown.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced it will not use the SNAP contingency funding already allocated by Congress for emergencies if the shutdown continues beyond Friday. If the federal government does not take action and states do not continue to provide SNAP assistance on their own, people and families may be left to turn to local organizations and food banks that are already struggling to meet increased needs with fewer available resources.
Federal SNAP benefits won’t be paid in November: What happens next?
In Amarillo and the surrounding region, the High Plains Food Bank had already reported a 31% increase in the number of families seeking regular help compared to last year, before the government shutdown began in October.
As the High Plains anticipates the lapse in SNAP assistance and a spike in need for resources, food pantries, nonprofit organizations, restaurants and others have begun to circulate information about where to find free or discounted meals for impacted individuals and families.
SNAP benefits won’t be paid in November: How long will WIC last?
The lists below include food pantries and organizations offering food and resources for individuals and families, as well as free or reduced meals being offered by restaurants around the High Plains. The lists also include specific food giveaway events and donation drives for community members to participate in or attend to receive resources.
Food pantries and organizations
More food pantries and resource organizations can be found online here.
Amarillo, Texas
- High Plains Food Bank
- 815 Ross St., Amarillo, TX
- Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
- 806-374-8562
- hpfb.org
- Amarillo College Food Pantry
- West Campus: Building A – Room 104M | 806-354-6085
- East Campus: Student Service Center – Room 136 | 806-335-4351
- Moore County Campus: Room 111 | 806-934-7242
- Hereford Campus: 1115 West 15th | 806-379-2700
- The food pantry is available to currently enrolled AC students or employees. Students must be enrolled in courses for the semester in which they would like to access the pantry. Interested current students can access this service twice a month.
- Catholic Charities of the Texas Panhandle
- 2004 N. Spring St., Amarillo, TX
- Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
- 806-376-4571
- cctxp.org
- Central Church of Christ
- 1401 S. Madison St., Amarillo, TX
- Sunday 9 a.m.- 12 p.m. | Monday-Thursday 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
- 806-373-4389
- amarillocentral.org
- Comanche Trail Church of Christ
- 2700 E. 34th Ave., Amarillo, TX
- Monday-Sunday 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
- 806-373-4190
- comanchetrail.church/resources
- The Salvation Army of Amarillo
- 400 S. Harrison St., Amarillo, TX
- Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
- Dinner offered at 5 p.m. daily
- 806-373-6631
- salvationarmyamarillo.org
On Oct. 29 from 10 a.m. through 2 p.m., free produce and bread will be distributed at Hillside Christian Church, located at 3508 E 24th. A hot lunch will be served at 12 p.m…