This month, the Trump Administration is cutting food stamp budgets in half, and students who rely on EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) and CalFresh benefits may be affected by the federal government shutdown disrupting their monthly payments. 

The federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides funds through EBT cards so eligible low-income students and families can purchase groceries.

Many Fresno City College students who rely on EBT and CalFresh benefits are worried about how they’ll afford groceries in the coming weeks.

For students like Javier Hernandez, a first-year allied health major, it is overwhelming.

“I depend on CalFresh every month to buy groceries, most of us are working students just trying to survive. It’s embarrassing when people judge you for needing help, especially when food prices are this high,” Hernandez said.

For students already juggling classes, jobs and rising living costs, SNAP benefits often make the difference between having enough to eat or going without. A shutdown could delay or temporarily cut payments, adding another layer of uncertainty for those already facing food insecurity.

Existing balances on EBT cards remain usable, but students whose cards are nearly empty or who rely heavily on their monthly benefits may need to plan carefully and access other support. Many students are turning to campus resources like FCC’s Basic Needs Center, which offers food, housing and financial assistance, as well as guidance on applying for CalFresh.

A list of Fresno food pantries, including the Highway City Community Development pantry and Fresno Food Distribution can also be found on findhelp.org.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, SNAP is federally funded, meaning that if a shutdown lasts more than a few weeks, states may run out of money to issue full benefits. The current federal shutdown has lasted more than a month. While California officials have said they plan to prioritize CalFresh payments, they also warned that long-term disruptions could cause delays.

“We’ve learned that there’ll be a pause in November on some of those benefits and getting access to food. And so basic needs in particular, alongside some of the special. Programs on campus and other departments have met and are trying to work together to come up with a plan to support students and employees,” said Kizzy Lopez, the director of basic needs at FCC.

To help students who may be affected during this time, Fresno City College offers on-campus support through its Basic Needs Center, which provides resources for food, housing and financial aid.

Both the Basic Needs Center and Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS) have been working together to ensure students don’t go without essential resources. As more students express concern over food and financial insecurity, campus support programs have begun coordinating their efforts to respond quickly if the shutdown disrupts federal assistance.

Anthony Cunha, a senior program specialist with EOPS at FCC highlighted that students shouldn’t feel embarrassed for needing help, as there are many others with shared experience.

“Reach out to a friend, reach out to a resource. Don’t let any stigmas or anything negative associated with needing help prevent you from reaching out. Your voice matters, your needs matter, and there’s plenty of people at Fresno City College and the Fresno community that are ready to step up and are available to help you out,” Cunha said.

Cunha emphasized that students often underestimate the wide range of services available. 

“There’s a wide range of campus resources, and Basic Needs does a good job of covering a lot of them including housing, food, transportation, and Psych Services,” Cunha said. “Mental health is a big issue, not just because of the shutdown, but in general. Jump on social media, talk to a friend, talk to your college counselor. Having that conversation can be the start to getting the support you need.”

Nashelly Antonio, the food pantry coordinator of The Ram Pantry explained that The Ram Pantry is working to ensure students still have access to food during the potential disruption.

“We’re securing additional donations and maintaining our hours to support students,” Antonio said. “Our team is coordinating with other supporters to provide as much assistance as possible.”

Antonio said the pantry serves roughly 850 students daily and expects numbers to rise in November. She highlighted the campus Friday farmers market, which offers fresh produce and additional support to students.

“Our goal is to be fully stocked and ready for any increase in demand,” Antonio said. “We want students to know we’re here and committed to helping them through this time.”

The uncertainty surrounding benefits can take a toll on students’ mental health, adding stress to an already demanding academic and personal schedule. Katherine, an FCC student who didn’t want to share her last name, is majoring in elementary teaching and said that delays in benefits have forced her to cut grocery spending.

“I’m aware of only one local resource, a school pantry, and I worry about how much food we get because we are a family of six,” Katherine said.

As the federal government continues to debate the budget, students are encouraged to stay informed about potential benefit delays and take advantage of the support available on campus. Fresno City College’s Basic Needs Center, EOPS and The Ram Pantry remain committed to helping students navigate this uncertain time, ensuring that no one on campus faces food insecurity alone.