After SNAP benefits were halted Saturday, the USDA reminded retailers they must comply with the Equal Treatment Rule, which bars special food discounts for SNAP/EBT customers.

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

The potential SNAP benefit delay could increase growing hunger crisis in Texas, a state which has the highest population of food insecure people in the U.S.

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

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.

As the federal government shutdown continues, food banks and community organizations are under more pressure to meet the increased need for food assistance and resources. Dallas County commissioners approved a $1 million donation to the North Texas Food Bank to help address that need.