As thousands of local families face uncertainty from the federal pause on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, the City of San Antonio has stepped in with a coordinated plan to ensure no resident goes hungry.
The Department of Human Services (DHS) and Metro Health have finalized a joint distribution strategy to provide immediate relief to low-income seniors and households with young children. Through this effort, the City will deliver $150 gift cards to approximately 10,000 eligible residents during the initial phase of assistance.
“Every San Antonian deserves access to healthy food,” said Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones. “When federal support falls short, our community steps up. Thanks to our local partners and City staff, we’re making sure seniors and families don’t go without essentials during this pause in SNAP benefits.”
Related: Trump Admin Says SNAP will be partially funded in November
The distribution process begins Wednesday, November 5, with the first wave of assistance going to residents already enrolled in City programs, including Senior Center Project HOPE, NXT Level participants, and Early Head Start and Head Start families. All recipients have been pre-screened and verified for eligibility.
Metro Health will handle distribution through scheduled WIC clinic appointments — with 300 appointments planned the week of November 3, 700 the week of November 10, and 1,000 the week of November 17. Additional cards will be distributed as funding allows, even if federal SNAP benefits resume.
City Manager Erik Walsh praised the collaboration between departments and the San Antonio Area Foundation, which manages the Feeding San Antonio Fund. “Their coordination and compassion ensure help reaches those who need it most, when it matters most,” Walsh said.
The City’s $1.6 million pledge goal will continue to grow as private donations flow in to expand food access during the federal lapse.
Residents who wish to contribute can visit SAAFDN.org/feeding-san-antonio to make a donation.
