DALLAS — As the federal government shutdown continues, the North Texas Food Bank (NTFB) is preparing for higher food demand across the region.
The organization is working with more than 500 food pantries and community partners to ensure families can access nutritious food as federal workers miss paychecks and many Texans face losing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits in November.
Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Agriculture warned that SNAP funding could run out if the shutdown extends beyond October 27. In Texas, benefits could end by November, affecting about 3.5 million residents—nearly half of them children. Within NTFB’s 12-county service area, roughly 460,000 people could be impacted.
“The North Texas Food Bank is deeply concerned about the impact an extended government shutdown could have on families,” said Sarah Burns, vice president of external affairs at NTFB. “A prolonged shutdown could force many neighbors to choose between paying rent, keeping the lights on, and putting food on the table. We want everyone to know that we are here to help.”
NTFB and its partners are ensuring local pantries stay stocked and mobile food distributions continue during the shutdown. Anyone needing food can find assistance at ntfb.org/get-help.
In partnership with Dallas College, NTFB is offering food assistance to federal employees and nearby residents. During the shutdown, food pantries will be open on Fridays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at:
-
Brookhaven Campus: 3939 Valley View Lane, Farmers Branch
-
West Dallas Center: 3330 N. Hampton Road, Dallas
-
North Lake Campus: 5001 N. MacArthur Blvd., Irving
NTFB also supports mobile food distributions to reach families struggling to make ends meet.
Dallas College Richland Campus, 12800 Abrams Road, Dallas, will host a distribution on Wednesday, Oct. 29, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Catholic Charities Dallas operates one of the region’s largest outreach networks, serving food at more than 115 sites across nine counties. Details are available at ccdallas.org/mobile.
Additional mobile locations can be found at ntfb.org/food-assistance/mobile-pantry. Food is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. No ID is required, but participants must provide their name, household size, and zip code.
“Hunger is already high across Texas, and a prolonged shutdown will increase uncertainty,” Burns said. “Even in difficult times, our community can count on the North Texas Food Bank.”
NTFB partners with the Texas Department of Agriculture to operate the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP), locally known as People and Nutrition (PAN). Eligible seniors age 60 and older receive a monthly box of about 35 pounds of USDA-provided food.
NTFB also helps families apply for SNAP benefits. Despite the shutdown, Texans can still apply or check benefits at ntfb.org/snap-information.
