End of emergency SNAP benefits affects millions Approximately 3.6 million Texans experienced a reduction in their Supplemental Nutrition Assis- tance Program benefits in March. benefits, according to information from the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. BY HANNAH NORTON
SNAP BENEFITS AND THE TEXAS LEGISLATURE Several bills have been filed to increase
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits. The Texas Department of Agriculture and Feeding Texas have also requested increased funding to help
Texans can also stretch their SNAP benefits to buy fruits and vegetables through the Double Up Food Bucks program. According to the program website, Double Up matches every dollar in SNAP benefits used to purchase local produce at over 50 participating farmers markets, farm stands, mobile markets and grocery stores across Texas. Cole said Texans in need can also visit food pantries and other community organizations for groceries and hot meals. There are 21 food banks in the Feeding Texas network, and they work with thousands of local partners to provide food to households in every county. Cole said she expects food
food banks obtain fruits and vegetables. House Bill 1287 and Senate Bill 273
The temporary benefit increases that helped people pay for food during the COVID-19 pan- demic ended on March 1, cutting each household’s monthly SNAP benefits by at least $95. During the pandemic, states could opt to provide each SNAP household with the highest possible dollar amount for their household size. For example, a family of four would receive a monthly benefit of $939, according to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. Under normal conditions, monthly benefits
ACTION
WHY
Would annually adjust what portion of a vehicle’s value is used to determine SNAP eligibility
The existing limit on the value of a family’s primary vehicle ($15,000) was last updated in 2001.
House Bill 1501 and Senate Bill 557
ACTION
WHY
to SNAP recipients are deter- mined based on household size, income and expenses, such as rent. In total, Texas was expected to experience a $340 million decrease in benefits from February to March, the com- mission reported. Austin-based nonprofit Feeding Texas, which bills itself as the largest hunger relief organization in Texas, encourages SNAP recipients to update their information if their circumstances have changed. “If you’re paying more rent [or] getting less income than
Would allow students in vocational and technical degree programs to apply for SNAP benefits
An inability to afford basic needs is the main reason students do not finish school.
banks across Texas will receive more requests for assistance, mirroring other states that chose to end their emergency allotments early. Cole said many food banks were already struggling to meet demand in February, as food donations have not recently kept pace with the increasing number of requests for emergency food. “Due to inflation, people are simply having to stretch their food dollars further,” Cole said. “For staples that used to be relatively inexpensive—eggs is a great example—the prices
“FOR STAPLES THAT USED TO BE RELATIVELY INEXPENSIVE— EGGS IS A GREAT EXAMPLE—THE PRICES HAVE SHOT UP, AND WE’RE SEEING FOOD INFLATION AT 10%. PEOPLE ARE REALLY STRUGGLING TO BUY FOOD AND PAY ALL THEIR OTHER BILLS.” CELIA COLE, CEO OF FEEDING TEXAS
House Bill 1743 and Senate Bill 727
ACTION
WHY
Would allow inmates to apply for SNAP benefits before they are discharged or released from prison
Many people face unstable housing and employment after leaving the criminal justice system, which can hinder food access.
INFORMATION OPTIONS To find out how much their regular monthly benefit will be, Texans can: Visit www.yourtexasbenefits.com.
you were prior to the emergency allotments taking effect, make sure that you report any changes to your circumstances that might result in a higher SNAP benefit under the normal rules,” Feeding Texas CEO Celia Cole said. People with disabilities and people over age 60 can report out-of-pocket medical expenses—such as over-the-counter medications, transportation and costs related to trained service animals—to the commission to increase their monthly
have shot up, and we’re seeing food inflation at 10%. People are really struggling to buy food and pay all their other bills.” Cole said it will be challenging to “do more with less,” but emphasized that every food bank in Texas will work to help people as much as possible. She said Feeding Texas also directs clients to its Referral Partner Program, which helps people connect with additional resources.
Log into the Your Texas Benefits mobile app.
Access the information online and through the 211 chat portal.
Call 211 and select option 2.
SOURCES: FEEDING TEXAS, TEXAS HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION, TEXAS LEGISLATURE ONLINE/COMMUNITY IMPACT
ELEVATING REAL ESTATE
KHEANG S. EUNG (214) 697-1160 www.Kheang.com
KAREN RUDOLPH (972) 369-9757 KarenRudolph.ebby.com
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MCKINNEY EDITION • APRIL 2023
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