Despite rulings from two federal judges on Friday who said SNAP benefits could not be suspended for the first time in the program's 61-year history, many Texans are still likely to face payment delays.

The calls to the Republican governor came as the food stamp program was set to run out of funding amid the government shutdown.

As the federal government shutdown continues, food banks across East Texas are ramping up emergency response efforts to support families who have missed paychecks and are impacted by a potential disruption in SNAP benefits.

Democrats argue Gov. Abbott has used his authority during COVID-19, the Uvalde shooting and border operations to free up emergency funds.

The Texas Legislative Progressive Caucus is calling on Gov. Greg Abbott to act now in using the state's Rainy Day Fund to provide funds for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) as the government shutdown may cause those 3.

"We've never in the 18 years of Minnie's Food Pantry being here, in the 31 million meals we've served, had to turn away a person," Chery Jackson said. "Am I concerned about it today? Absolutely."

With SNAP delays set to begin Nov. 1 that will impact more than 3.5 million Texans, food banks in the state are bracing for a surge in need.

As the nation prepares for SNAP benefits to halt on Saturday, leaders turned their attention to public schools. For millions of students, school is the most reliable source of meals.