As many Greater Austin families face uncertainty due to recent changes in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), we want to do our part at the Y to help maintain your health.
Food insecurity not only affects physical health, but emotional well-being and a family’s ability to thrive. That’s why we’re sharing vital resources to help families access nutritious food and support during this challenging time.
What’s Happening with SNAP?
Due to the ongoing federal shutdown, SNAP benefits have only been partially funded in November. This change impacts over 160,000 individuals in Central Texas, including more than 25,000 children under age 5 and 15,000 seniors over 65. Many of these families are part of the ALICE population—Asset-Limited, Income-Constrained, and Employed—who earn above the poverty line but still struggle to meet basic needs. This growing need is being compounded by nearly 13,000 federal employees in the Austin area who have already missed at least one paycheck.
Where to Find Food Support
Here are trusted local resources offering food assistance:
Central Texas Food Bank
- Mobile Food Pantry Calendar: Find locations and times here.
- Visit Find Food Now to view dates, locations, and hours for special government-worker distributions and regular mobile-pantry calendar.
- Emergency Distribution Info: Call 512-684-2559 for updates.
Sustainable Food Center (SFC)
- Farmers’ Markets: Open every Saturday from 9 AM – 1 PM.
- SFC’s Double Up Food Bucks program will continue operations as usual. SNAP shoppers with remaining EBT balance can still double SNAP benefits spent at participating markets.
- SFC Farmers’ Markets are offering triple WIC (3x benefits for WIC EBT shoppers) every Saturday at SFC Farmers’ Markets.
2-1-1 and ConnectCTX
- Call 2-1-1 (option 1) for 24/7 help with food, utilities, health care, transportation, and more.
- Or call 833-512-CATX (2289) Monday–Friday, 8 AM – 6 PM to speak with a Navigation Specialist.
- Visit 211texas.org for online support.
Farmshare Austin
- Offering reduced price, organic, local produce & shelf stable goods with free home delivery and double SNAP benefits. Learn more
Outside Austin
- Travis County: Travis County HHS has food pantries at six community centers, five of which are outside the city. Community Centers
- Hays County Food Bank: Find information on appointment-based food distribution, mobile pantries and emergency distribution sites. Learn more
ADDITIONAL SUPPORT & INFO
YMCA Membership and Program Assistance
- If you need assistance maintaining your Y membership in this uncertain time, we’re here to help. Contact the Membership team at your home Y for details.
- If your child is enrolled in our Extend-A-Care Y afterschool or early education programs, call 512-236-YMCA (9622).
- If you simply need someone to talk to, consider Greater Austin YMCA Counseling, which is available for in-person or telehealth visits.
Transportation
- CapMetro’s Equifare program provides discounted fare for folks who are eligible for a variety of human services programs. Learn more
How You Can Help
If you’re in a position to give back, here are ways to support your neighbors:
- Volunteer with local food partners such a local church.
- Donate to organizations providing direct food assistance.
- Share this information with families who may be affected.
Stay Informed
For updates on SNAP, WIC, and other public benefits:
- Visit Your Texas Benefits
- Check the Feeding Texas Government Shutdown page
- We’ll continue to provide updates here as well.
Status of Other Public Assistance Programs (as of October 31, 2025):
- WIC: Available in full for October and November.
- TANF, Medicaid, CHIP, School Meals, CSFP: Not currently affected.
- Children from households receiving SNAP, WIC, or TANF may still qualify for free school meals.
Important Reminders
- SNAP benefits issued before November can still be used at authorized retailers.
- Texas Health and Human Services (HHSC) will resume issuing SNAP benefits once federal guidance is received or the shutdown ends.
