The Trump administration said in a court filing that it would use a reserve to cover "50% of eligible households’ current allotments."

The Central Texas Food Bank expects to spend roughly four times its monthly budget to support Austin-area SNAP recipients.

The calls to the Republican governor came as the food stamp program was set to run out of funding amid the government shutdown.

Texas is home to 254 counties—more than any other U.S. state—and has wide disparities in SNAP enrollment. According to a September 2025 report from Texas Health and Human Services, Lamar County had the highest enrollment at 29.5 percent of residents, while King County had the lowest at 0.7 percent.

Democrats argue Gov. Abbott has used his authority during COVID-19, the Uvalde shooting and border operations to free up emergency funds.

We are expected to serve upwards of 1,500 families. We were expecting 500, and the need has tripled since the SNAP benefits pause," Dr. Jared Williams said.