The St. Edward’s University food pantry, known as The Huddle, is facing tough times. Since last April, its options have dwindled. Liza Manjarrez, the director, shared that the Central Texas Food Bank, which supplies most of its food, lost over $5 million in funding. “I used to have five pages of items to order from. Now, I’m lucky if I get two,” she said.
The Huddle opened in March 2020, serving students, staff, and faculty 24/7 with no limits or questions asked. Manjarrez oversees everything, from ordering to stocking. The pantry relies mainly on donations from the food bank and a single $10,000 contribution from H-E-B.
A recent federal government shutdown halted the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for 40 million Americans, including over 3.5 million low-income Texans. Many of those who depend on SNAP now visit The Huddle. Manjarrez noticed a rise in demand since the shutdown began. “Students tell me their families rely on SNAP and ask if they can take extra food. Of course! We want to help,” she said.
Nearby, St. Ignatius Martyr Catholic Church’s food pantry also reports increased visits. Deacon Richard Tucker noted they sign up 20 new families daily, raising their total from 130 to 150 families. “We also see government workers coming for the first time,” he said.
Pantries like these weren’t designed to handle the sudden surge caused by SNAP’s hiatus. Manjarrez emphasized, “Food banks were meant to assist those not eligible for SNAP.” Tucker agreed, saying their procedures worked when numbers were lower, but now they must adapt. They’re trying new registration methods and larger shelving to better serve the community.
In Central Texas, nearly 152,787 people receive SNAP benefits. Before the funding loss, over 610,000 individuals struggled with food insecurity across 21 counties, a record high. Food insecurity impacts everyone, especially college students. A study by the U.S. Government Accountability Office found 23% of college students face food insecurity, with many eligible students not utilizing SNAP.
For students like Juan Diego Guerrero, The Huddle provides more than just food; it offers dignity. “I appreciate that nobody judges you for being there. You can just go in and grab what you need. It’s quick and easy,” he said. Junior art major Sofia Soberon echoed this, stating she would feel too self-conscious if someone monitored her visits.
Unlike larger food pantries, such as the UT Outpost, The Huddle can afford to be more generous. The Outpost serves around 44,500 undergraduates and limits the number of items each person can take. “It’s our duty to support our community,” Manjarrez asserted.
Though SNAP funding comes from the federal level, it’s implemented at the state level. The recent end to the federal shutdown was met with relief. The USDA has instructed state agencies to distribute full SNAP benefits immediately. It may take a few days, but hope is on the horizon for those in need.
This situation highlights the pressing need for effective food assistance programs in our communities. As we navigate these challenges, it’s essential to consider how food security affects not only individual families but also the unity and well-being of our society.
