Alec Rodriguez Update Oct. 27 (10:57 a.m.): According to the USDA website, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has “run dry.” No benefits will be issued on Nov. 1 as the government shutdown continues.
Original Story:
EDINBURG – The government shutdown may decrease the amount of supplies the Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley receives, an issue that could extend to the UTRGV Student Pantry.
The UTRGV Student Food Pantry is a program for students on the Edinburg and Brownsville campus and although not funded directly by the government, its food is mainly resourced from the Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley.
The Food Bank of the RGV receives food from the Government through the Feeding America program. Omar Rodriguez, director of grants and government relations at the food bank, said if the shutdown persists, the food bank may face some problems. “If the shutdown continues, then it takes another about two months or so for our reimbursements to come in,” Rodriguez said. “So, if it continues past two months, we may have a shortage of food across the country for food banks. And that’s very scary.”
Rodriguez added that the Government Shutdown could affect the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program as well since people might not see the funds in their EBT Lonestar card by the end of the month.
He said the Food Bank of the RGV may need to start rationing out the supplies it gives out as the shutdown persists. Your Texas Benefits stated on its website, “SNAP benefits for November will not be issued if the federal government shutdown continues past Oct. 27.’”
For more information, contact the Food Bank of the RGV at 956-682-8101 or visit them at 724 N. Cage Blvd. in Pharr.
