By Priscilla Totiyapungprasert, El Paso Matters Texas families that rely on food stamps could see their benefits cut off if the federal government shutdown continues past Oct. 27, state officials warned. It remains unclear if people will still receive their November benefits should the shutdown end next month, according to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, which is waiting on federal guidance.

El Paso County has 67,250 households that receive assistance from the Supplemental Food Assistance and Nutrition Program, or SNAP, according to the state’s August data. The average payment per household is $354, which families can use to purchase food at grocery stores, convenience stores and farmers’ markets. U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar, who represents El Paso, joined Democratic collea

See Full Page