As the federal government shutdown continues into its second-longest stretch in U.S. history, local leaders in Central Texas are mobilizing to support residents facing disruptions to critical services. On October 31, Austin Mayor Kirk Watson and Travis County Judge Andy Brown joined representatives from the Central Texas Food Bank and United Way for Greater Austin to share updates on available resources, particularly in response to the potential halt in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funding.
If the shutdown persists, SNAP benefits are expected to end Saturday, November 1. In Travis County alone, this would impact approximately 44,895 households—more than 87,000 individuals. Mayor Watson noted that the strain is compounded by the financial uncertainty facing nearly 13,000 federal employees working within Austin city limits who have already missed at least one paycheck.
“This doesn’t just hurt a few people,” Watson said. “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.”…