The distributions come amid continued uncertainty for the SNAP program.<\/p>\n
HOUSTON \u2014 With November SNAP benefits uncertain amid the federal shutdown and a new Supreme Court administrative stay, hundreds of cars lined up before sunrise at Northwest Assistance Ministries<\/a> in north Houston for a Houston Food Bank partner distribution.<\/p>\n NAM said more than 1,200 families registered for the event, one of four distributions across the Houston area<\/a>, on Saturday. Organizers said some arrived as early as 3:30 a.m., and more than 100 volunteers directed traffic and loaded food into trunks.<\/p>\n “When I got here at 7:30 in the morning, the line was all the way down Kuykendahl past 1960 to the Chick-fil-A,” said Nadine Scamp, NAM’s president and CEO.<\/p>\n Scamp said many of those seeking help had never been to a distribution before.<\/p>\n “There’s a lot of need we’re seeing here today, a lot of first-time people who have never been here before,” she said. “So many people in our community are struggling right now, and NAM is just trying to do what we can to help.”<\/p>\n Each household received enough food for several days, including canned goods, chicken, potatoes and milk, according to organizers.<\/p>\n The distributions come amid continued uncertainty for the SNAP program. A Supreme Court administrative order on Friday paused a lower-court ruling that would have required full November payments, leaving states to navigate partial or staggered deposits and adding to confusion for recipients.<\/p>\n Volunteers said the turnout reflects both the immediate need and a desire to help. “These times are when you can actually see how you can help your community and the people next to you,” said 18-year-old Martin Martinez, a volunteer.<\/p>\n NAM plans two additional Saturday distributions at the same location over the next two weeks. Registration is required through the Houston Food Bank here<\/a> or by calling 211.<\/p>\n