TEXAS – The coronavirus pandemic appears to be worsening in Texas with each passing day, and it will likely be several months before a vaccine is widely available.

With that in mind, Texas. Gov. Greg Abbott Thursday announced that the Texas Health and Human Services Commission will provide roughly $204 million in emergency Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) food benefits for the month of December.

“Extending emergency SNAP benefits for the month of December as part of the state’s ongoing response to #COVID19. @TexasHHSC will provide $204M in benefits to ensure that Texans can continue to provide nutritious food for their families,” Abbott tweeted.

SNAP, a federal program, provides food assistance to approximately 1.7 million low-income Texas families and individuals.

"These expanded benefits will continue to help feed families during this ongoing pandemic," said Texas HHS Access and Eligibility Services Deputy Executive Commissioner Wayne Salter. "We also want to remind recipients to protect their health and safety by wearing masks and keeping socially distant when shopping."

Texans in need can apply for SNAP benefits at YourTexasBenefits.com.