Catholic Charities expands food help as SNAP benefits face uncertainty

HOUSTON (KIAH) - It’s been over a month since the federal government shutdown, and it seems to be stretching on. As we head into the holiday season, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston‑Houston is rapidly scaling up its response to support families in the Houston-Galveston area who may lose access to their monthly food aid.

“We know that right now it’s going to be such a hard, hard month for a lot of people because a lot of people have never needed help, such as our federal employees. They have been receiving paychecks, and now they’re not getting their paychecks,” said Tahlia Cavazos, Catholic Charities Spokesperson.

In response to the surge in need, the agency’s three food-pantry locations are extending hours and increasing food distributions: The Guadalupe Center (326 Jensen Drive, Houston). Evening and weekend hours will be added. The Beacon of Hope Isle Market (4700 Broadway, Suite B-101, Galveston). The pantry will likewise expand its schedule to serve more households. The Mamie George Community Center (1111 Collins Road) will function as one of the Houston Food Bank's “super-site” locations during November for large-scale food distributions.

Tuesday at the Guadalupe Center location on South Jensen Drive, over 280 families registered for the drive-thru food distribution, and families were able to get in and out of the line with a full trunk, full of food, in under 15 minutes with the help of student volunteers from UT Health’s nursing program.

“We were here a few weeks ago, and it wasn’t this busy if I’m being completely honest. Since the government shutdown, it has gotten busier. There have been more people here for food and help,” said Cianni Martinez, a volunteer and student.

Cavazos said the pantry is open weekly however families can benefit from the program once every two weeks. Beyond food assistance, Catholic Charities is now providing emergency rental assistance to federal government workers impacted by the shutdown, helping them stay warm while the shutdown stops paychecks.

Cavazos said rental assistance is available for one month’s rent up to $1,500. Eligibility includes having a copy of your lease with your name on it. A late notice and ID. Either proof of layoff/ furlough or relation to the shutdown, or proof of income loss.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) serves nearly 42 million Americans, and with the shutdown, federal funds that states rely on to deliver the monthly benefit have run out or are critically constrained.

Monday, the Trump Administration said the United States Department of Agriculture moved to use an emergency contingency fund to partially cover November’s benefits. However, officials said that amount is barely half of the roughly $8 billion normally needed for a full month of benefits. Operational and legal factors, states warn that even partial benefit payments may be delayed by a few days. If the shutdown continues into December and beyond, the risk of further cuts or delays increases, especially if the contingency fund is depleted.  

While the community continues to come together. Every food bank now including the Catholic Charities is calling for support in three ways. Volunteer your time to help at extended-hours, give financially, so the agency can flex resources where needed most, or donate closed and unused food to help those in dire need.