The ongoing government shutdown has halted SNAP benefits, hitting small grocers like Food Basket in South Dallas hard. Store director Joshua Southers says sales have dropped 40% since Nov. 1, forcing layoffs and even hiring security amid theft concerns.

A new memo from the U.S. Department of Agriculture says the federal government is working to release full November SNAP benefits as soon as today, even as the Trump administration continues to argue in court that it doesn’t have the funding to do so.

Millions of Texans are currently facing delays in receiving their monthly SNAP (food stamp) benefits due to the ongoing U.S. government shutdown. Various resources, including food banks, pantries, and community sites, are offering free meals and groceries; residents can find help using tools from organizations like Feeding Texas.

If the federal shutdown continues past Oct. 27, funding for SNAP food assistance will run out in Texas, potentially leaving 3.5 million residents without benefits.

KPRC 2 received more information on how the federal government is calculating the reduced SNAP benefits for the month of November as the government shutdown endures its record-tying 35th day.

In Texas, tens of thousands of SNAP recipients could face the loss of their benefits if they do not complete recertification in time. Although the renewal process varies from case

The Trump administration agreed to issue partial benefits to SNAP recepients following two federal court rulings. However, the calculations and distributions could take anywhere from days to months.

"We are seeing it, we're seeing it vividly. But Manna House has stepped up and we are ready to help," said Manna House executive director Norma Belcher.

Effects of the pause will be especially widespread in Texas, which has the highest population of food insecure people in the country.

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 42 million Americans, including nearly 70 thousand households in El Paso County, who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, to afford groceries are getting a better idea of how big (or how small) their benefits will be in November when they are eventually issued.