$1.6M+ raised to help San Antonio SNAP recipients during benefits pause, Mayor Jones says

SAN ANTONIO – More than $1.6 million has been raised from local businesses to aid SNAP recipients as the federal government shutdown continues, Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones said at a Friday press conference.

Jones said that eligible households will receive a $150 H-E-B gift card from the San Antonio Area Foundation fund, which will be distributed by Metro Health and the City’s Human Services.

“This is a bridge, this is not the solution,” the mayor said, “the solution is the federal government to be up and running again.”

Jones said more details on the distribution of the funds and eligibility will be communicated publicly next week.

The fund will aid nearly 11,000 families as benefits are set to pause on Saturday, According to Jones.

The pause will affect nearly 130,000 households in Bexar County. According to Jones, approximately $50 million in SNAP benefits is distributed to the local area each month.

If you wish to donate to the fund, donations are accepted through the San Antonio Area Foundation’s website.

ALSO ON KSAT.COM

• Judges could rule on the fate of SNAP food aid as deadline nears for shutdown to end payments
• ‘We will not turn anybody away’: West Side nonprofit welcomes SNAP recipients who need help
• More San Antonio residents turning to church food pantries ahead of SNAP benefit pause