California College Students Struggle as Food Aid Disrupted by Government Shutdown

Sun Nov 09 2025 09:54:08 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

As the government shutdown continues, college students in California are facing increasing food insecurity due to disrupted SNAP benefits, relying heavily on campus food pantries for assistance.

The ongoing government shutdown has left students at California State University, Sacramento, and throughout the nation struggling with food insecurity as their SNAP benefits have been delayed. With the pantries becoming a crucial resource, colleges are responding with various initiatives to combat hunger on campus. Students express concerns over their ability to afford groceries, with many relying on food donations and pantry services. Experts highlight the potential long-term impacts on students' education and mental health under these pressures.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A recent visit to the Basic Needs Resource Center at California State University, Sacramento, revealed shelves stocked with acorn squash, Spam, and baby food—staples for students increasingly reliant on campus food aid amidst ongoing disruptions to their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits due to the government shutdown.

At Sac State, where over 3,600 out of approximately 31,000 students depend on SNAP, many frequent the Basic Needs Resource Center weekly, gathering up to a dozen essential items ranging from fresh produce to toiletries.

It's a big blessing, said Antonette Duff, a psychology junior enrolled in SNAP, who relies on the assistance now more than ever as federal support remains uncertain amid the government impasse.

With tuition and housing costs riding high, coupled with classes and jobs that often pay little, students are struggling to put food on the table. In the U.S., significant numbers of college students—over 1.1 million nationwide—are enrolled in SNAP, reflecting a growing trend of food insecurity among the youth.

The disruptions to SNAP have resulted in serious consequences, with many students experiencing severe confusion and financial strain. The Supreme Court recently issued a temporary block against a judge’s order to fully fund the program, leaving students like Mike Hannigan from Massachusetts in dire situations where they must choose between classes and work to afford groceries.

Hannigan, who advocates against campus food insecurity, highlighted a broader issue, stating, It puts students in a really horrible position. As college campuses adjust to rising food needs, various initiatives, such as farmers markets and free meals, have emerged to help tackle hunger-related issues.

For instance, food pantries and community-driven events like 'Soup Tuesdays' at Nueta Hidatsa Sahnish College in North Dakota are providing critical support to students. Many face an uphill battle, especially in rural areas labeled food deserts, where access to groceries is limited.

Students have reported varied experiences with SNAP; while some receive assistance, many others struggle with reduced benefits or delays. As one Sac State student described her situation, receiving just $120 a month made it increasingly tough to manage basic grocery needs.

The ongoing uncertainty surrounding SNAP and food safety nets highlights a critical need for systemic changes to support college students' basic needs effectively. Experts emphasize that addressing these food insecurity issues is vital not just from a health perspective but also concerning educational outcomes and mental well-being.

Colleges across California are looking to expand their food pantry offerings in response to these challenges, aiming to alleviate hunger as students navigate this unprecedented landscape.