FORNEY, Texas (ZIP 75126), Kaufman County– According to Texas Health and Human Services data provided by NBC5, 11,510 residents in ZIP 75126 received $2,036,707 in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits in the most recent month reported, averaging about $177 per recipient.
What is SNAP and How Are Benefits Determined?
SNAP is the nation’s largest food-assistance program, providing monthly benefits via EBT card to help eligible households purchase groceries. For FY 2026, the maximum monthly allotment for a family of four in Texas is $994, with smaller and larger households on a sliding scale, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Eligibility in Texas depends on income, household size, allowable expenses, and certain exemptions. Applications and case management are handled through the state portal, YourTexasBenefits, operated by Texas Health and Human Services.
Impact of the Federal Shutdown and Court Order
Concerns about SNAP delivery increased in late October after the ongoing federal government shutdown delayed normal funding. The U.S. Department of Agriculture warned that without congressional action, November benefits might be disrupted for millions of Americans.
On October 31, a federal judge issued an emergency order requiring the Trump administration to use available contingency funds to continue SNAP payments. As reported by NBC News, the ruling directs the government to draw from roughly $5 billion in emergency reserves to ensure beneficiaries receive November assistance. The administration was ordered to outline how it will comply.
Uncertainties Ahead
While the ruling provides temporary protection, questions remain. Federal court filings and USDA estimates indicate the cost of one month of nationwide SNAP benefits exceeds the amount currently held in contingency funding, raising the possibility of partial payments or processing delays if the shutdown continues.
Potential Effects on Forney Residents
With more than $2 million in monthly food assistance flowing into the community, any disruption or delay could significantly affect households in Forney and surrounding areas. State officials have urged families to monitor their EBT accounts and report missing or reduced benefits once distribution begins for the month.
How Families Can Stay Informed
- Apply or manage benefits: YourTexasBenefits.com
- Program rules and benefit levels: USDA Food and Nutrition Service
- Local food-bank assistance: North Texas Food Bank and community partners often adjust distribution during disruption periods
Population context comes from American Community Survey 2019–2023 estimates. SNAP recipient and payment totals for ZIP 75126 were provided by Texas Health and Human Services.
