TEXAS (KTAL/KMSS) — Texas food banks are accelerating emergency response efforts to support families as the government shutdown continues.

The state emergency food system is expected to face a surge in need as federal employees and members of the armed services experience income disruptions, and SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefit delays are set to begin on November 1.

Feeding Texas CEO, Celia Cole, said, “Food banks are seeing a wave of new faces and families who’ve never needed emergency food assistance before. We’re doing everything we can to meet the moment, but food banks were already seeing increased need due to rising food costs."

"The shutdown adds another layer of strain to an already stretched emergency food system. Communities across Texas are feeling the

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