All SNAP Payments to End on Friday Amid Ongoing Government Shutdown

SAN ANGELO, TX — The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps, is set to suspend benefits starting November 1, 2025, as the federal government shutdown reaches its 31st day on October 31. SNAP has a significant impact in the San Angelo community, where many families rely on it for essential support. For instance, a family of four with a monthly income of $4,421 or less qualifies for up to $994 in monthly SNAP benefits.

These payments will halt on November 1 due to the exhaustion of federal funding during the shutdown. States like Texas are unable to issue November benefits until the shutdown ends, though applications and processing will continue normally in anticipation of resolution.

In response to the growing need, the San Angelo Food Bank has increased distributions at Immanuel Baptist Church, located at the north end of Oakes Street and 14th Street. Pastor Ryan Buck noted that the food bank initially requested volunteer help for distributions every two weeks, but the impending SNAP pause has accelerated demand. On Thursday morning, a line of cars waiting to pick up free food wrapped around the block, prompting further action from the congregation.

That evening, a planned fall festival for children and parents at Reagan Elementary School—located behind the church and traditionally featuring trunk-or-treat activities in the church parking lot—was repurposed into an additional free food distribution event. Buck's congregants shopped at local H-E-B grocery stores that afternoon, purchasing enough raw chicken to include 2-4 pounds in each care package, along with beans and rice. Buck estimated distributing around 700 care packages by 8 p.m. Thursday.

The SNAP crisis stems from the federal shutdown. SNAP is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which provides funding to states; in Texas, the program is managed by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.

In Washington, D.C., Rep. August Pfluger (R-TX), whose district includes San Angelo, has been tracking the shutdown's effects. Earlier this month, Pfluger hosted a roundtable with local bankers, encouraging them to offer low- or no-interest loans to affected federal workers and contractors. Since then, regional banks have launched no-interest lending programs. Pfluger's office does not anticipate a resolution before SNAP funding lapses on Friday.

Pfluger stated Thursday afternoon: "Many vulnerable Texans will soon stop receiving SNAP benefits because Democrats shut down the government. It pains me that many people who rely on these benefits will not receive the critical support they need. I voted to fund the government, including SNAP, to avoid this very situation. I am infuriated that Democrats put their political agenda before the well-being of people in need. I urge Senate Democrats to stop holding the government hostage and put Americans first. In the meantime, please reach out to my office if you are negatively affected by this shutdown and need assistance."

Pfluger's San Angelo office is at 135 W. Twohig Ave., Suite B, with phone number (325) 659-4010.

Pfluger emphasized that the Republican-controlled House passed a "clean" continuing resolution (CR) before the fiscal year ended on September 30, but it was blocked by Senate Democrats, leading to the shutdown on October 1. All non-essential federal workers have gone unpaid since then. Pfluger requested his own paycheck be withheld until the impasse is resolved, and his staff—deemed non-essential—are also not receiving pay.

Republicans argue that Democrats are demanding an additional $1.5 trillion in spending, including provisions they claim would expand Medicaid coverage to undocumented immigrants. However, fact-checks indicate this characterization is misleading; Democrats are advocating for health care provisions that include protections for certain immigrant groups, such as DACA recipients, but not broadly for undocumented individuals. Republicans maintain they are open to discussing issues individually but not under the threat of a prolonged shutdown.

Democrats, conversely, blame Republicans and the Trump administration for the impasse, citing concerns over potential misuse of funds and the need to protect key programs like Obamacare subsidies. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) has criticized Republicans for prioritizing political gamesmanship over reopening the government. A recent poll shows more Americans blaming Trump and Republicans than Democrats for the shutdown.

Senator John Kennedy (R-LA) has been vocal on social media about the Republican perspective. In a recent X post, he stated: "If this government shutdown were a soap opera, I’d call it 'As the Stomach Turns.' It’s not going to end until enough senators decide to take their egos out back and shoot them."

The shutdown has also ripple effects on the local economy in San Angelo. Restaurants and bars report a sluggish October, with some anonymously noting sales down by about 25%. Official impacts will be clearer when the Texas Comptroller releases October sales tax data in November.

According to Newsweek, military retirement pay and veterans’ pensions remain unaffected by the shutdown, as they are funded through mandatory spending rather than annual appropriations. Retirees and survivors will receive payments on schedule, though administrative delays may occur due to reduced staffing.

Active-duty military pay, however, has required creative funding shifts by the Trump administration. For the October 15 payday, a billionaire donor contributed $130 million, supplemented by $6.5 billion redirected from research and development accounts. For November 1, the Department of Defense is drawing from multiple sources, including an additional $2.9 billion in Basic Allowance for Housing funds authorized earlier this year, totaling around $5.3 billion to cover the payroll.

SNAP Eligibility and Benefits in Texas (Effective October 1, 2025)

*Note: Actual benefits vary based on net income, expenses, and other factors. For full details, visit the Texas Health and Human Services website.*