Here's when and where North Texas food pantries will be available during the government shutdown

DALLAS — Food pantries across North Texas are sticking together to prepare for the increased need of access to food assistance amid the ongoing government shut down.

The network of over 500 food pantries and community partners are ensuring families have access to nutritious food as families risk losing SNAP benefits in November.

In Texas, officials have warned SNAP benefits could be exhausted as soon a November. This could affect nearly 3.5 million residents statewide, almost half of which are children.

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

“The North Texas Food Bank is deeply concerned about the impact an extended government shutdown could have on families across our community,” said Sarah Burns, Vice President of External Affairs a