California Student Food Pantries Struggling Amid Government Shutdown

Sun Nov 09 2025 09:39:05 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

With federal SNAP aid caught in a political limbo due to the government shutdown, California college students are increasingly reliant on local food pantries to meet basic needs.

Students at California State University, Sacramento, face increasing food insecurity as SNAP benefits become uncertain due to the government shutdown. With many relying on food pantries, institutions are taking action to alleviate hunger among students while the federal aid remains in limbo, leaving many confused and stressed about their options.

In Sacramento, California, shelves at the local college food pantry are stocked with acorn squash, Spam, and baby food, highlighting the growing reliance on these resources amid uncertain government support for food assistance.

At California State University, Sacramento, also known as Sac State, the Basic Needs Resource Center sees hundreds of students each week. They can select a variety of items, including fresh produce and toiletries, from the pantry. With many students navigating tuition and housing costs along with juggling part-time jobs, affording groceries remains a challenge.

According to Emily Tupper, the director of Crisis Assistance and Resource Education Support at Sac State, over 3,600 of the institution's approximately 31,000 students use SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Nationwide, about 1.1 million college students rely on SNAP, according to government data.

The uncertainty surrounding SNAP benefits has left students in a precarious situation. Without this critical assistance due to the ongoing government shutdown, students must utilize food pantries for survival. The disruption saw SNAP benefits for approximately 42 million Americans suspended starting in November, adding to the anxiety many students face.

Mike Hannigan, a student advocate from Greenfield Community College, criticized the situation, emphasizing the dire implications for students who may need to choose between attending classes and working extra shifts to afford meals.

Food pantries across campuses are responding by increasing outreach and resources. Initiatives like 'Soup Tuesdays' at tribal colleges and pop-up farmer's markets are designed to alleviate food insecurity among students. Despite these efforts, many fear the ongoing delays in SNAP funding jeopardize their ability to sustain attendance and academic performance.

July Star Medina, a biology senior, shared her struggles with decreased SNAP benefits, stating that she has had to frequently rely on the Basic Needs Resource Center to fill gaps left by the reduction. Adjusting to the current climate of food insecurity has proved stressful as she navigates budgetary constraints for essential groceries.

Experts warn that the rising food insecurity among college students can severely impact their mental health and performance in school. Current trends emphasize the urgent need for effective solutions to address these profound issues and provide stability for vulnerable students across the nation.