Students at California State University, Sacramento, are increasingly reliant on campus resources due to uncertainty surrounding federal food aid. The ongoing government shutdown has left many students anxious about their benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps. On a recent visit to the Basic Needs Resource Center, students found shelves stocked with items such as acorn squash, Spam, and baby food, which they may soon have to depend on more heavily.
Every week, hundreds of students visit the center, where they can select up to a dozen items, including fresh produce, meat, toiletries, and secondhand clothing. “It’s a big blessing,” said Antonette Duff, a junior studying psychology and a SNAP recipient. According to Emily Tupper, the director of Crisis Assistance and Resource Education Support at the university, more than 3,600 of the approximately 31,000 enrolled students receive SNAP benefits.
The situation is not unique to Sacramento. More than 200,000 college students in California and about 1.1 million nationwide rely on SNAP, as reported by the state’s Department of Social Services and the U.S. Government Accountability Office. The rising cost of living further exacerbates the issue, as many students juggle tuition, housing bills, and part-time jobs that often pay less than ideal wages.
As of early November, SNAP benefits for roughly 42 million people in the U.S. were suspended due to the government shutdown. A federal judge recently ordered the Trump administration to fully fund the program, but the U.S. Supreme Court temporarily blocked this order, leaving students like Mike Hannigan, a student at Greenfield Community College in Massachusetts, in a precarious position about their food security. Hannigan, who receives just under $300 a month from SNAP, noted that the uncertainty surrounding his benefits has made it difficult to plan for basic needs.
“Students may have to decide whether to attend class or take an extra shift to afford food,” Hannigan explained. In response to the growing food insecurity, students at his college organized a free farmers market, distributing thousands of pounds of produce in a single event.
At Nueta Hidatsa Sahnish College, a tribal college in North Dakota, efforts to combat food insecurity include ‘Soup Tuesdays’ and access to a food pantry filled with easy-to-prepare meals. College President Twyla Baker highlighted the challenges faced by students living in rural areas with limited grocery access. “Using the most vulnerable as political pawns is untenable,” Baker stated, emphasizing the detrimental impact of the political stalemate on students.
The rise of food insecurity on college campuses is alarming, according to AJ Scheitler, director of the Data Equity Center at the University of California, Los Angeles. “Students prioritize tuition, books, and transportation, often sacrificing food as a necessity,” Scheitler explained. This prioritization highlights the tough decisions students must make to maintain their education while managing limited financial resources.
At Sac State, food pantries are stepping up to meet demand. The college is organizing grocery pop-ups twice a month, offering free fresh produce to students. If the federal food aid delays continue, Tupper indicated that the frequency of these events may increase to better support students.
At the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, officials report that at least 4.5% of students rely on SNAP benefits. The campus food pantry, which is open to all, sees between 100 and 150 visitors daily. Lisa Lindquist, director of the LoboRESPECT Advocacy Center, noted the pantry’s reliance on donations, stating, “Food goes in and out so quickly,” indicating a substantial need among the student population.
Students like July Star Medina, a senior at Sac State, have felt the impact of reduced SNAP benefits firsthand. Her monthly assistance has decreased from $290 to $120, forcing her to visit the Basic Needs Resource Center more frequently. “I don’t think it’s enough at all,” Medina remarked, expressing frustration over the challenges of affording groceries.
The uncertainty surrounding food assistance programs is weighing heavily on many students. Scheitler emphasized the potential consequences, stating, “The number of students who may have to drop out of school because they need to eat is significant.” The stress of food insecurity not only affects academic performance but also students’ mental health, creating a cycle that is difficult to escape.
As colleges and universities strive to provide support, the situation remains critical. Students are seeking solutions to navigate the challenges posed by federal aid uncertainties, relying on campus resources to meet their basic needs.
