CRISIS OPERATIONS ALERT: YPJF Adjusts Program to Manage 10,000+ Requests
- null null
- Oct 31
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 3
🚨 CRISIS OPERATIONS ALERT: YPJF Adjusts Program to Manage 10,000+ Requests; Gift Card Applications PAUSED & New Bell County Direct Food Aid Launched 🚨
AUSTIN, Texas—October 31, 2025—
UPDATE 3 NOVEMBER 2025:
The Trump administration agreed Monday to comply with court orders requiring the federal government to partially fund SNAP benefits using contingency, or emergency, funds. More than 40 million Americans were left in limbo as funds for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program ran out Saturday.
The administration did not say how much SNAP beneficiaries would receive or when they would receive them. All of this comes as the government shutdown entered its second month on Saturday, with no new developments in negotiations.
As of this date/update the foundation's GIFT CARD SNAP SUPPORT PROGRAM HAS BEEN ENDED! The foundation will continue to provide emergency food assistance & distribution as needed and able.
The Youth Peace and Justice Foundation (YPJF), a 501c3 non-profit charity also known as The Uvalde Foundation For Kids, today announced a critical program adjustment in its emergency food assistance efforts. Due to the immediate and overwhelming demand—exceeding 10,000 inquiries—following the November SNAP benefits crisis, the foundation is temporarily halting its gift card application process.
This adjustment allows the organization to dedicate full resources to processing existing requests, replenishing supplies, and ensuring sustained, direct food aid through new initiatives.
This operational update is a direct response to the massive food insecurity vacuum created by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s confirmation of delayed or stricter monthly SNAP food benefits, particularly impacting families with school-age children across Texas.
⚠️ Critical Program Update & Policy Changes
To manage the current crisis and stabilize community resources, the foundation has implemented the following immediate changes:
* Gift Card Application Halt: All new applications for the H.E.B. Gift Card program are immediately paused. This allows staff to diligently vet the high volume of current requests and stabilize the foundation's supply.
* Processing Continues: Current gift card applications are being actively processed. Once an application is approved, the individual applicant will be contacted directly with information on the distribution of assistance.
* No Telephone Applications: Effective immediately, telephone applications are no longer being accepted for any form of direct food assistance due to overwhelming demand. Applicants must monitor the foundation's website for future reopening announcements.
🦃 NEW! NEW! NEW! Bell County: Launch of Integrated Food Distribution Initiative
To provide immediate, tangible relief and offer a longer-term solution to food insecurity throughout the holiday season, the YPJF is launching a new Thanksgiving Holiday Direct Food Distribution initiative in Bell County, Texas.
* Integrated Application Process:
Applications to receive direct groceries through this Thanksgiving initiative will utilize the same existing screening and qualification process as the H.E.B. Gift Card outreach. This streamlined approach ensures consistency and efficiency in getting aid to currently qualified, high-need families.
* Sustained Relief: This distribution will focus on providing essential Thanksgiving meal components and supplementary groceries, designed to bridge the nutrition gap left by the SNAP crisis throughout November. Details on distribution locations and times will be published on the foundation’s website soon.
Scope of Assistance for Current Applicants
The existing pool of over 10,000 applicants is currently being processed, with acceptance or rejection decisions sent within 24 hours. The distribution of approved assistance (both gift cards and direct groceries) will begin at midnight on November 1st.
Assistance is available to qualified families across twelve Texas counties:
* Bell County
* McClennan County
* Bexar County
* Williamson County
* Milam County
* Coryell County
* Hays County
* Travis County
* San Saba County
* Harris County
* Dallas County
* El Paso County
🌟 Urgent Call for Immediate Financial Support
The overwhelming, 10,000+ response underscores the urgency of this crisis. As a 501c3 non-profit, the Youth Peace and Justice Foundation is urgently asking the community for immediate financial donations to sustain this lifeline.
Contributions are critically needed to replenish the gift card supply and stock the Bell County direct food distribution initiative. Every contribution is fully tax-deductible and directly supports ensuring no child in Texas goes hungry this November.
Secure Online Donations can be made directly via PayPal or at the Foundation's official website:
* Foundation Website: www.theuvaldefoundation.com
Tax ID: 88-3268749
Contact Information
Families with existing applications or inquiries about other community support should contact Maria Sanchez, Director of Community Outreach, by email or via the foundation website. Reminder: New applications and telephone applications for assistance are currently closed.
* Foundation Website:
Media Contact: Jennifer West, The Youth Peace & Justice Foundation, 254-499-8027
