Texas Border Business
The Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley joins Feeding Texas in releasing a sign-on letter endorsed by over 250 statewide and local organizations across Texas that calls on Congress to reject proposed cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The letter, addressed to Senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz, warns that the proposed $300 billion in SNAP reductions would devastate Texas families, seniors, veterans, and the state’s economy.
“SNAP is not just a hunger relief program—it’s a lifeline for millions of Texans and a critical economic engine for our state,” said Celia Cole, CEO of Feeding Texas, the state association of food banks. “These proposed cuts would force Texas to shoulder billions in new costs or slash benefits, leaving families to go hungry and increasing strain on food banks and local economies.”
The letter outlines the far-reaching consequences of the proposed changes, including a state cost-share requirement that could cost Texas an additional $2.3 billion per biennium, the elimination of the SNAP-Ed nutrition education program that helps participants make healthy food choices on a limited budget, and expanded work requirements that would impact seniors and parents of young children.
“SNAP is often the only thing standing between a family and hunger,” said Libby A. Saenz, CEO of the Food Bank RGV. “Cuts like these would make it harder for families to get by and put even more pressure on food banks across Texas.”
“SNAP already provides modest support—just six dollars per person per day—but it makes a world of difference for families trying to stay afloat,” Cole said. “Cutting this program will make it harder for families to put food on the table and increase hunger in the state of Texas.”
The letter also highlights the economic ripple effects of SNAP, which generated an estimated $10.73 billion in economic activity for Texas in 2024 and supported more than 94,000 jobs.
“Our message is simple: Protect SNAP. Protect Texas,” Cole said. “We urge Senators Cornyn and Cruz to stand with the more than 250 organizations—including food banks, faith-based groups, healthcare providers, retailers and community advocates—that signed this letter and vote no on any budget that includes harmful SNAP cuts.”
The full letter and list of signatories can be found here: Protect SNAP Sign-On Letter
###
Feeding Texas is a network of 20 food banks and leads a unified effort for a hunger-free Texas. Learn more and find your local food bank at www.feedingtexas.org.
Information source: Food Bank RGV
