Newer figures from the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) show only slight shifts. As of September 2025, Harris County still has by far the largest number of SNAP-eligible individuals, while Fort Bend, Galveston, and Brazoria have seen the steepest growth. Montgomery County is the only major Houston-area county showing a decline.

The calls to the Republican governor came as the food stamp program was set to run out of funding amid the government shutdown.

Those who rely on SNAP to buy groceries for themselves and their families make up about 12% of all grocery sales nationwide, according to the National Grocers Association.

The potential SNAP benefit delay could increase growing hunger crisis in Texas, a state which has the highest population of food insecure people in the U.S.

Democrats argue Gov. Abbott has used his authority during COVID-19, the Uvalde shooting and border operations to free up emergency funds.

"We've never in the 18 years of Minnie's Food Pantry being here, in the 31 million meals we've served, had to turn away a person," Chery Jackson said. "Am I concerned about it today? Absolutely."