AUSTIN, Texas — With federal food assistance programs like SNAP benefits running out amid the government shutdown, tens of thousands of people across Central Texas are now trying to figure out where their next meal will come from.

The first of the month is when food assistance is loaded on the SNAP cards, but that did not happen on Saturday. The program that helps low-income Americans afford groceries is running out of funds due to the government shutdown. SNAP cards will still work for those with remaining balances, but without new funding, the cards just won't be reloaded.

Austin and Travis County leaders said Friday that the loss of SNAP benefits will affect approximately 44,895 households, including more than 87,000 people.

In Austin, several groups stepped up on Saturday to help

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