Approximately two million Pennsylvanians who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, may face disruptions in their benefits this November due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. For college students — especially those in the Philadelphia area — this uncertainty is concerning, as many depend on these benefits to help cover their grocery bills.
The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services announced that without immediate action from Congress, SNAP payments will not be issued for November. Governor Josh Shapiro expressed concern, saying “The federal shutdown is threatening critical food assistance for two million Pennsylvanians who rely on SNAP to feed themselves and their families.”
While negotiations continue in Washington, D.C., with Congress debating funding bills, students may notice the impact firsthand. Local food pantries are preparing for increased demand as more families and individuals may turn to them for support. State officials have assured beneficiaries that any unused funds from October will carry over into November, offering some temporary relief. However, long-term solutions depend on federal funding being restored.
Christine Saint-Fleur, a second-year psychology major at Drexel, shared her opinion on how the potential SNAP delays could affect students:
“Delayed SNAP benefits could have a serious negative impact on the physical and mental health of students,” Saint-Fleur said. “Food insecurity is already a common struggle among college students, and this delay can lead to a reliance on unhealthy, cheap foods, which can harm nutrition. Poor nutrition can weaken the immune system, lower energy, and reduce academic performance.”
She also pointed out that the uncertainty surrounding food assistance can take a mental toll.
“Not knowing when food assistance will become available can increase feelings of instability and worsen mental health,” she added.
Saint-Fleur noted that some members of her community have relied on SNAP while in college.
“The benefits from SNAP were important because they made groceries more affordable when students had to reduce spending due to limited work hours,” she said.
When asked what could aid students if benefits are delayed, Saint-Fleur suggested that campus communities can take action.
“Universities could offer emergency meal vouchers or partner with local food banks and soup kitchens,” she explained.
“Student organizations can host food drives, and dorm communities could set up food pantries or meal-sharing plans. There is a club on campus called Sharing Excess, and their mission to fight food insecurity could really support students during this time,” Saint-Fleur continued.
In addition to Sharing Excess, Drexel’s Pennoni Pantry has recently opened to assist students experiencing food insecurity. Located on the second floor of Bentley Hall, the pantry is open every Wednesday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm to provide free non-perishable food items to members of the Drexel community. Students who cannot make the pickup time or have any additional questions can contact the pantry at honorsprogram@drexel.edu. This new resource will offer students a consistent on-campus option for food support amid ongoing uncertainty.
Students interested in helping can also volunteer or donate to local food pantries, supporting communities that the delay may impact. Sharing Excess, mentioned earlier, is a nonprofit founded by former Drexel student Evan Ehlers that works to reduce food waste by redistributing excess food from grocery stores and restaurants to those in need.
The organization’s partnerships with local pantries and community groups may provide additional support if SNAP benefits are disrupted, creating another way for students to contribute to food access efforts on and off campus.
For the latest updates on SNAP benefits, students are encouraged to follow announcements from the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services.