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JFS Dallas opened a 100,000 square-foot campus in Addison to provide comprehensive services to an "medically underserved area." JFS Dallas' CEO said the location could be the first community health center in North Texas to have comprehensive services on site.

Starting April 1, Texans won't be able to use their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, benefits to purchase "candy or sweetened drinks." Texas retailers and nonprofits have spent month preparing for the new restrictions — but some recipients may not know until they're checking out at the store.

Last year, Gov. Greg Abbott vetoed funding for a summer food assistance program despite Texas’s high rates of food insecurity, citing concerns over matching federal funds. Advocates want the state to reconsider, highlighting concerns about how food insecurity rates are expected to increase when students are on summer break.

With more that 1.3 million people struggling to access meals in North Texas, schools and food banks are launching holiday mean programs to support students and families facing rising costs.

North Texas food pantries are working to keep up with demand as more families need help with groceries during the federal government shutdown. On Monday the Pleasant Grove Food Pantry served at least 25 more families than they usually do.

As the federal government shutdown continues, food banks and community organizations are under more pressure to meet the increased need for food assistance and resources. Dallas County commissioners approved a $1 million donation to the North Texas Food Bank to help address that need.

Volunteers made around 700 meals of chili, couscous and coleslaw to distribute in the Fair Park area of Dallas.

The North Texas Food Bank reaches 12 counties and services approximately 460,000 people.

Austin area food bank leaders are bracing for increased demand if SNAP benefits are not issued in November.

Texas officials say food stamp benefits, which go to 1.7 million children, would not be distributed in November under an extended shutdown.

Changes to SNAP requirements and cuts in funding to the program were signed into law by President Trump last month. The added requirements are expected to heavily impact the 12% of the U.S. population that use SNAP.

The Republican leader cited concerns about federal funding for the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer program. The decision is a setback for struggling families and anti-hunger advocates.