Texas Catholic Voice November 2025

Disruptions to SNAP benefits, increased work requirements for SNAP recipients

Due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, beginning Nov. 1 SNAP benefits have been reduced by half and delayed, meaning an estimated 126,000 Texans will not be receiving their full daily food assistance.

If you or someone you know is impacted by the federal government shutdown, your local food bank is ready to support you. Across Texas, food banks are expanding their efforts to meet urgent needs — especially for federal employees and contractors missing paychecks.

Our St. Vincent de Paul Societies, Catholic Charities and other organizations are working hard to meet the anticipated increased demand on their services, including by federal employees and contractors who are missing paychecks. If you are able, please consider increasing your contributions to your local entities that are serving the hungry, and, if you need support, consider contacting your parish for help. This is what it means to be Catholic! 

Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, issued a plea to lawmakers and the Administration to work in a bipartisan way to ensure funding for lifesaving programs and an end to the government shutdown. He wrote: 

“As this government shutdown continues, the U.S. bishops are deeply alarmed that essential programs that support the common good, such as SNAP, may be interrupted. This would be catastrophic for families and individuals who rely on SNAP to put food on the table and places the burdens of this shutdown most heavily on the poor and vulnerable of our nation, who are the least able to move forward. This consequence is unjust and unacceptable.” 

Many food banks are hosting targeted food distributions in areas with high concentrations of federal workers, including airports, military bases, and other key locations. These specialized distributions are designed to ensure that those most affected have access to nutritious food and essential resources during this challenging time. 

Texans can find up-to-date information on how the shutdown is affecting hunger and benefit programs, find their local food bank, and explore ways to support hunger relief efforts at: https://www.feedingtexas.org/government-shutdown/. Please feel free to share this site widely with your communities and partners!   

In addition, beginning Nov. 1, 2025, certain SNAP participants will be required to document that they are working at least 20 hours per week (80 hours per month) to continue receiving benefits, due to a change in federal law. Individuals who do not meet this requirement may only be allowed to receive SNAP benefits for three months within a three-year period, unless they qualify for an exemption. In addition to adults aged 18 - 54 who were already subject to SNAP work requirements, the following groups will now be required to comply to maintain benefits:  

• Adults aged 55 - 64 
• Parents or caregivers of children aged 14 or older 
• Veterans 
• Adults experiencing homelessness 
• Youth aged 18 - 24 who are aging out of foster care 

To avoid the three-month time limit, individuals will have to work, participate in an education and training program, or engage in volunteer work for a non-profit or government entity at least 20 hours a week (80 hours a month). Some individuals listed above may still qualify for an exemption from the work requirements if they meet one of the following criteria: unable to work due to a physical or mental health condition, currently pregnant, live in a SNAP household that includes a child under the age of 14, identify as Indian, Urban Indian, California Indian, or Alaskan Native, under the age of 18 or over the age of 65. 

Affected persons in hearings on concrete batch plant registrations

The Office of Public Interest Counsel has put forth a recommendation that churches, schools, childcare facilities, and hospitals should be allowed to request hearings on concrete batch plants within 440 yards (one quarter  mile) of their facilities. Current rules only allow those with permanent residences to do so, which has been a barrier for schools, churches and hospitals. The public health complications for persons visiting our facilities should be a consideration in these permitting processes. TCCB will be commenting in support of the recommendation.  

TxDPS training offered on targeted violence and terrorism prevention

The Targeted Violence and Terrorism Prevention (TVTP) training program seeks to increase mass attack prevention opportunities by educating representatives from a wide variety of community stakeholders on targeted violence and terrorism indicators, reporting options, and available resources within their community. Upon completion of the course, participants receive a copy of the training materials with the goal of allowing them to train and educate colleagues from the organizations they represent.  

This training opportunity is free and will be held in person, and religious leaders and security representatives are encouraged to attend. Trainings are scheduled in November for Lubbock, Corpus Christi and Midland. For more information, visit the TVTP website or contact TVTP@dps.texas.gov.