Extended SNAP benefits are coming to an end, leaving some Houstonians stranded.

HOUSTON. On Wednesday, additional benefits under the Supplemental Food Assistance Program ended.

The extra money for the program went out during the pandemic, but now additional monthly benefits are being cut for more than 30 million Americans in 32 states, including Texas.

The reduction in funds provided by the program, better known as SNAP, is likely to have a trickle down effect, according to Houston Food Bank staff.

Jose Barrera said he helps about 1,500 people a month sign up for SNAP at the Houston Food Bank.

“Even those in the middle class and above are asking for more help,” Barrera said.

He said that, on average, welfare recipients would drop by about $95 a month. Barrera said he thinks this will mean the food bank and the pantries they serve in 18 counties will see more demand.

“We can help them… direct them to all the pantries we maintain in the Houston area. We have 18 districts that we apply to,” he said.

He also encouraged people to call their local representatives about the upcoming farm bill so that it will fund SNAP enough to help people who need it.

Wendy Christopher said SNAP extended benefits have helped her and her teenage grandson, whom she is raising. Before the pandemic, she received about $23 a month. When the extended benefits ended, she received about $400 a month.

“We can finally eat balanced food,” said Christopher. “It made a huge difference.”

It won’t be an easy transition as her grandson has special medical needs and dietary issues that she says can’t be met with food pantries. He also works out at home.

“I feed him all his food, all his snacks,” Christopher said.

The monthly allowance will decrease to about $100 per month.

“Now I don’t know where it will come from. I can only work and be away from him for about four hours a day,” Christopher said. “It’s not that we want alms and that’s laziness, but some of us don’t have a choice. I would give anything to be able to work full time, but I can’t.”

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