BEAUMONT, Texas — As the nation enters the fourth week of the government shutdown, the impact is beginning to spread far beyond federal employees. While federal workers were the first to feel the effects, millions of Americans are now at risk of losing access to food assistance.

By Saturday, November 1, SNAP benefits are expected to stop rolling out, leaving many families without crucial support.

Southeast Texas food pantries are preparing for a surge in demand as thousands of local families may soon find themselves without food assistance. Local organizations say they’re ready to step up as residents brace for the loss of benefits.

“In Jefferson County alone there's more than 44,000 people that are gonna be impacted by this,” said Christopher Robertson, executive director of Some Oth

See Full Page