College Students Seek Campus Support Amid Federal Food Aid Uncertainty: How Schools Are Stepping Up

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — In Sacramento, a college food pantry is a lifeline for many students. Recent visits revealed shelves stacked with essentials like acorn squash, Spam, and baby food. This support is crucial, especially as federal aid faces delays during a government shutdown.

At California State University, Sacramento, hundreds of students rely on the Basic Needs Resource Center each week. They can take home a selection of items, from fresh produce to toiletries. “It’s a big blessing,” said Antonette Duff, a psychology junior who benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Currently, over 3,600 students at Sac State receive SNAP benefits. In California, more than 200,000 college students are in similar situations, part of a national total of about 1.1 million. Rising living costs, coupled with tuition and part-time jobs, make affording groceries a challenge for many.

SNAP benefits for roughly 42 million Americans stopped at the beginning of November due to the government shutdown. Although a recent court ruling aimed to restore funding, a Supreme Court decision temporarily blocked it, leaving students in a state of uncertainty. Many are worried about how they will continue to afford food.

Mike Hannigan, a student at Greenfield Community College in Massachusetts, expressed concern. Receiving under $300 a month from SNAP, he hasn’t seen his benefits since November. “Some students may have to decide between attending class or picking up extra shifts just to eat,” he said.

To combat food insecurity, many campuses are stepping up. Hannigan recently helped host a free farmers market, distributing tons of fresh vegetables to hungry students. Additionally, places like Nueta Hidatsa Sahnish College in North Dakota offer free meals and meal kits to help their community.

The issue of food hardship on campuses has grown over the last decade. AJ Scheitler from UCLA highlights how students often prioritize tuition and transportation over food. After shelling out for these essentials, there’s little left for groceries.

Sac States’ food pantry operates grocery pop-ups twice a month, and if federal aid delays continue, they may need to increase this frequency. Down in New Mexico, the University of New Mexico Pantry serves between 100-150 students daily, showcasing the immediate demand for such resources.

Students like July Star Medina are feeling the pinch. groceries have become costly; she spent nearly $30 on just chicken and spices recently. Her SNAP benefits dropped significantly this year, pushing her to visit the food pantry more often. “I don’t think it’s enough at all,” she remarked about her reduced benefits.

Experts like Scheitler warn that food insecurity can hurt academic performance and mental health. “Many students might have to drop out because they can’t afford to eat,” she noted. It’s clear that addressing students’ hunger is crucial not just for their well-being, but for their future in education.

For more information on student food programs, check out resources like the American Public Health Association.

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