Over 42 million Americans lost access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known as SNAP, on Nov 1. Due to the federal government shutdown, the SNAP program has been shut down. The program provides nutrition assistance to low-income families so that they can purchase groceries. It helps combat food insecurity and malnutrition for millions of recipients.
The program provides funds paid for by the federal government to families. These families are issued food stamps or an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card to purchase their groceries. However, with the recent shutdown, SNAP recipients have not received their benefits to purchase groceries.
The Trump administration decided to cut SNAP funding because of the government shutdown. SNAP recipients in some states have either not received their funds or have partially received their funds.
Not only does the SNAP program help low-income families with funding, but it also helps the elderly, disabled, unemployed, single mothers and even college students.
Many might not realize that the SNAP shutdown has affected several college students across the United States. Around 1.1 million college students are dependent on the nutrition funding provided by the government.
An anonymous Piedmont University student, who is a SNAP recipient, is currently a full-time student who lives off campus, pays rent and works thirty hours a week just under full time.
The student applied for food stamps because they were not making ends meet. Their weekly diet consisted of ramen noodle packets for three nights out of the week. Once they applied for the program they were given easier access to groceries.
When the student was informed that the government shutdown was happening they resorted to rebudgeting everything. The government’s reopening is unpredictable leaving many, including the student, unaware of when it would open.
“For me, food stamps are absolutely essential for my survival as a student” emphasized the recipient.
Due to the shutdown, many students are left feeling afraid and insecure based on their nutritional needs.
“It’s affected me more in the way that I’m feeling afraid of people knowing that I’m on food stamps and being stigmatized for that,” explains the student.
The student explains how they are more afraid now of swiping their card in public or of people finding out they are in the program, because it has become a “contentious topic.” Especially because at certain grocery stores when someone swipes their EBT cards it makes a different sound than when someone swipes a normal debit card.
“My stress levels are worse,” said the recipient.
Despite the rise in food insecurity among college students, it is important for students to be aware of the resources available on campus. If students need groceries or personal care items, they are encouraged to utilize the food pantry located in Lane Hall. The food pantry provides free access to shelf-stable food, snacks and personal care items for any student who needs it. Students can access the food pantry anytime during the day.
Students can also get in contact with Ineke Dyer, Piedmont’s Director of Student Success and Oliver Howington, Piedmont’s Learning Center Coordinator for additional needs that might not just be groceries. Along with contacting Ineke Dyer and Oliver Howington, students can raise a flag on Starfish.
“We want families to know if your student ever needs help with food, housing or other essentials, we have systems in place to support them with dignity and care,” said Oliver Howington.
The government shutdown has declined the funds for monthly groceries for many individuals across the United States, but it is important for students to know that Piedmont has helpful resources for them despite the SNAP shutdown.
As of Nov. 14, the government opened up, and SNAP benefits were reinstated to millions of Americans. Although all SNAP funds are expected to reach Americans by Nov. 18, the effects of SNAP cuts over the longest government shutdown in American history will still impact many.
