SNAP

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission began dispensing partial SNAP payments on Monday. Some families have received benefits, but many families are hanging in the balance or have received far less than usual.

The high court decision allows a lower court time to consider a more lasting pause. The Trump administration is appealing an order to fully fund November food aid for millions of people.

The ruling Thursday afternoon comes in response to a challenge filed by cities and nonprofits after the administration said it would halt funding for the program on Nov. 1.

Austin-area businesses, churches and nonprofits are offering free meals to help people affected by the delays. Here’s where to get help if you need it and help others if you can.

About 1 in 8 U.S. residents get an average of $187 a month per person in the food assistance known as SNAP. For the first time, the Trump administration stopped the payments due at the beginning of the month.

Two federal judges ordered the Trump administration to use emergency funding to provide SNAP benefits. But it's unclear how much, or when, those funds would be provided before the funding runs dry.

Austin area food bank leaders are bracing for increased demand if SNAP benefits are not issued in November.

Texans will not be allowed to use SNAP benefits to buy candy, drinks containing artificial sweeteners or drinks containing 5 grams or more of added sugar.

Texas is one of about a dozen states that won't be participating in a federal program that provides families with $120 per eligible child to buy groceries while school is out.

Texas was one of 13 states last year that did not participate in a new federal program providing eligible families with $120 per child over the summer to help pay for groceries while school is out. The state must say whether it plans to participate in the Summer EBT program by Jan. 1.