If the federal shutdown continues past October 27, SNAP benefits will be cut off for 3.5 million Texans, including 1.7 million children.

This isn’t a political debate. This is a hunger emergency.

SNAP, also known as food stamps, helps families put food on the table every month. In Texas alone, more than $614 million in benefits could disappear in November. That means millions of people — kids, seniors, veterans, working parents — won’t be able to afford groceries.

This shouldn’t even be up for debate. Food assistance is a basic necessity. Families who rely on SNAP aren’t responsible for this government shutdown, and they shouldn’t be punished because lawmakers can’t do their jobs.

We are calling on:

• Congress
• The USDA
• Texas elected officials

…to immediately guarantee that SNAP benefits will be paid in full, even if the shutdown continues.

If they fail to act, food banks will be overwhelmed, children will go to school hungry, and struggling families will fall deeper into crisis.

Texas already has one of the highest rates of child hunger in the country. Cutting off food assistance will make that worse overnight.

We demand urgent action to fund and distribute SNAP benefits without interruption. No family should go hungry because of government dysfunction.

Sign this petition if you believe food is a right, and no Texan should have to wonder how they’ll eat next month.

Photo: Callie Richmond for The Texas Tribune