San Antonio families are feeling the strain of rising grocery and gas prices as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) struggles to keep up with a surge in applications. The backlog stems from recent changes to eligibility rules under President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which the U.S. Department of Agriculture says is meant to strengthen the integrity of the nation’s food‑assistance program.
Local impact of the new rules
Eric Cooper, president and CEO of the San Antonio Food Bank, explained that the policy shift has caught many able‑bodied adults without dependents, as well as children and older adults, off guard. “I don’t think anyone anticipated so many children and seniors that were caught up in some of that policy shift that are now no longer eligible to get benefits,” Cooper said.
Cooper estimates that about one‑third of families applying for SNAP in the region are stuck in the backlog. In addition, half of the recertifications for existing beneficiaries are being delayed beyond the 30‑day window required by law, leaving many households uncertain about their continued eligibility.
Families waiting for assistance
One viewer, Jessica, told KSAT she applied for benefits in August and has yet to receive any assistance. The USDA’s standard processing time is 30 days, a deadline that is increasingly difficult to meet under the current workload.
“If the state could get ahead of that backlog, those families would have the dollars that they need in these critical times to nourish their families,” Cooper urged.
Rising demand on local food banks
The San Antonio Food Bank now serves roughly 140,000 families each week, a 17 % increase in demand that brings usage back to the levels seen during the COVID‑19 pandemic. The South Texas Food Bank is asking state lawmakers to pause the new restrictions for two years, warning that the changes could force Texas to contribute an additional $500 million to the program.
“Texas has a strong economy and our state has dollars. Will the legislators prioritize that spend?” Cooper asked.
Administration’s rationale
According to the USDA, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act is designed to protect taxpayer dollars by ensuring that SNAP benefits go to those who truly need them, while reducing fraud and program abuse. The agency emphasizes that the law includes safeguards intended to keep the program sustainable for future generations.
What’s next for San Antonio residents?
Local advocates are urging both state and federal officials to allocate additional resources to clear the backlog and to provide clear guidance to families about eligibility under the new rules. In the meantime, community organizations continue to distribute emergency food supplies to bridge the gap for those awaiting assistance.
Stakeholders hope that a collaborative effort between the Trump administration, Texas officials, and local nonprofits will restore timely access to SNAP benefits for the region’s most vulnerable households.
Original reporting: San Antonio, TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
