DICKINSON – Families across Texas face uncertainty as SNAP (food stamp) benefits for November have been temporarily halted due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. In response, the M.I. Lewis Social Service Center has launched an emergency plan to assist affected residents in the Dickinson area.

The stoppage impacts an estimated 3.5 million Texans, including 1.7 million children, leaving many unsure how they will provide food for their families in the coming weeks.

“The sudden halt of SNAP benefits will have a devastating ripple effect on families in our community,” said Angelica Hanley, Executive Director of M.I. Lewis Social Service Center. “Many of our clients already struggle to make ends meet. This disruption means parents will face impossible choices between food, gas, and rent. At M.I. Lewis, we are preparing to provide supplemental bags of food each week to those missing their benefits while our resources allow. We’re praying for a quick resolution, but in the meantime, we will be here to make sure no one goes hungry.”

M.I. Lewis will begin weekly supplemental food distributions on Thursdays from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at its Dickinson location. The program is open to residents within the Dickinson ISD service area who are currently missing their November SNAP benefits. To receive assistance, households must bring a photo ID, proof of residence, and proof of delayed or missing SNAP benefits, such as a screenshot from YourTexasBenefits.com.

Each eligible household will receive a supplemental bag of food weekly during the SNAP interruption, while supplies and funding allow.

The center is also appealing to the community for help. Financial donations, non-perishable food items, and volunteers are needed to sustain the program. Donations can be made online at www.milewisctr.org/donate, and food items can be dropped off at the center Monday through Thursday from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Volunteers can sign up at www.milewisctr.org/volunteer.

“Every gift, every can of food, and every act of kindness makes a difference,” Hanley said. “When our community comes together, no one is left behind.”