Local leaders to discuss resources for families who rely on SNAP

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA)-- Some Texas families still haven't seen their SNAP benefits for this month, in response Congresswoman Escobar and local leaders will discuss resources for the families who rely on SNAP.

In response, the CEO of the El Paso Community Foundation announced a $100,000 grant to support El Pasoans Fighting Hunger, the region’s main food bank.

Faith leaders said they’re working to keep their food pantries stocked through community donations.

Officials at the food bank said they are “still ahead of this,” but the need continues to rise.

Kris Yagel, CEO of El Pasoans Fighting Hunger, said the organization has distributed 2,000 emergency food boxes and is preparing 10,000 more to meet demand.

U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar said that despite the hardship, she believes El Paso will endure.

Kayleigh Stewart said she’s seen that struggle firsthand.

“Having to go through every single day without knowing if they’re going to be able to eat or not or do certain things is really sad to me,” Stewart said.

Stewart said her grandparents have relied on SNAP benefits for several years. But this month, she’s taken on the responsibility of buying their groceries herself.

“I’m a college student too,” she said. “So as it is, I’m struggling, but I’ll do anything to make sure that they’re getting what they need.”

Escobar said Stewart’s story is one of many in El Paso and she’s calling not only on the White House but also on Gov. Greg Abbott to take action.

“The state has billions of dollars in a rainy day fund,” Escobar said. “We’ve seen other governors in other states step in to bridge that gap.”

In response to the lapse in benefits, local leaders gathered to highlight resources available to families in need.

County Commissioner David Stout said the community’s resilience is what keeps El Paso strong.

“El Paso has always known its worth,” Stout said. “We may not have the wealth of Washington, D.C., but we have the power of community.”

Michael Aboud, chairman of the El Paso County Republican Party, said while he sympathizes with families going without food benefits, he believes Democrats are responsible for prolonging the shutdown.

“There was no reason for the Democrats to walk out,” Aboud said. “There’s just a continuing resolution to keep everything going the way it was going. But they don’t care that they’re harming American people.”

Escobar pushed back, saying that continuing resolution includes policies that would harm El Pasoans.

“They cannot sustain the kind of pain that is being caused by these economic policies,” she said.

Stewart said she’s frustrated with the political back-and-forth and just wants the shutdown to end so families like hers can live comfortably.