Thousands of Texans could lose SNAP benefits

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA)-- New federal rules on nutrition assistance are raising concerns for students and families who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP.

Natalia Lopez, a full-time student whose sister is a single mother, said both depend on SNAP to get by.

“How are we gonna do this? How are we gonna do that?” Lopez said. “It kind of stinks watching her scramble, too, because she had to take up two jobs. And then I go to school full time, and then it’s, like, hard.”

Lopez said the benefits “help us a lot.”

The changes stem from a law signed by former President Donald Trump in July, which expanded work requirements for SNAP eligibility. Most adults under 65 must now show they are working or participating in job training or volunteer work for at least 80 hours a month. Previously, the requirement applied to adults ages 18 to 54.

Parents caring for a child under 18 were once exempt from the requirement, but that exemption now only applies to those caring for a child under 14.

Kayla Esparza, whose single mother is raising four children, said the new rule will affect her family once her younger brother turns 14 this year.

“She’s worried because we’re probably gonna have to cut down some stuff that we buy,” Esparza said.

Another major change affects veterans, people experiencing homelessness and young adults transitioning out of foster care. All were previously exempt from the work rules but must now meet them.

The CEO of El Pasoans Fighting Hunger, Kris Yagel, said the food bank is preparing to support residents who may lose access to benefits.

“Our hearts are here for you, and we have the food to back it up,” Yagel said.

For students like Lopez and Esparza, the policy shift adds new pressure at home.

“Students like us who are supposed to be focusing on school, we’re focusing on helping our families,” Esparza said.

Lopez added, “We were already struggling. Now we’re going to struggle like ten times more, just trying to keep our head above.”Attach

You can volunteer with El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Food Bank and donate.