With approximately 42 million Americans relying on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for monthly food assistance, uncertainty over November benefits has caused growing concerns nationwide. SNAP—referred to as CalFresh in California—administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) helps families and low-income individuals afford food by transferring monthly electronic benefits to EBT cards.
The USDA announced that it will not use its legislatively mandated contingency funds to cover the program’s full costs this month, as Congress failed to pass a budget before the federal government shutdown began in late October. Two federal judges have since ruled that the administration must use emergency reserves to maintain these benefits, but the USDA has not confirmed when benefits will actually reach recipients. In fact, its website currently states that there will be no benefits issued November 1. This is the first time that SNAP benefits have been interrupted since the program started in 1964, according to KQED.
The Trump administration plans to use about $4.6 billion in emergency funds to partially cover November SNAP payments, even though the program’s estimated cost is around $8 billion each month. However, benefits may still take time to be disbursed, leaving millions of recipients uncertain.
Millions of families are at risk of heightened food insecurity and possible worsening health outcomes in the long run, especially among children. Additionally, economists point out that reductions in benefits could have a negative impact on local businesses and spending throughout the economy. Cuts to SNAP benefits could affect state and local revenues and result in the loss of over 1 million food‑related jobs nationwide.
However, SNAP recipients in San Francisco county will be supported through a new partnership created in response to the lack of federal funding, as stated by Daniel Lurie on Oct. 29 on City Hall’s steps. As reported by KQED, the partnership’s financial support is made partially from the City’s $400 million reserve that lawmakers set up in anticipation of a government shutdown. The rest is made up from Crankstart, an SF-based family foundation.
However, national uncertainty has prompted the campus food pantry and local community partners to increase support ahead of possible adverse effects. As universities from across the country move quickly to respond to potential SNAP disruptions, USF has not issued a response at the time of print. Schools such as the University of California warned that about 58,000 students may face delays in November benefits due to the shutdown. Meanwhile, institutions like California State University Monterey Bay and University of California Santa Cruz expanded basic-needs resources, increased food pantry hours and sent mass notifications to students in October. In Milwaukee, the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee’s campus food pantry reported a roughly 30% increase in visits this fall as students brace for possible SNAP delays. The imminent freeze of SNAP benefits and growing grocery costs were some of the reasons cited by many people seeking assistance, according to basic-needs staff.
The USF food pantry has become a critical resource for navigating food insecurity on campus. Operated through the Dean of Students’ office, the pantry offers free groceries, CalFresh guidance, and other essentials to anyone in need. “Our student body is much broader than just San Francisco,” food pantry coordinator Hannah Ogden said. “We serve students who are all over the Bay Area and all over the country.”
In anticipation of increased demand, the USF food pantry has extended its November schedule. There will be three distribution dates, on Nov. 8, Nov. 14 and Nov. 21, followed by a Thanksgiving meal pickup on Nov. 26 from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Faculty and Staff Dining Room on the first floor of the University Center. “The community has been super supportive and helpful,” Ogden said. “We’ve had alumni, faculty, staff, and even non-affiliated community members reach out to see how they can make donations. Our priority is always getting food to students, so we’re going to make it work and do what we can.”
Ogden mentioned that the pantry has also been assisting students with navigating CalFresh and EBT applications by providing appointments and support. “We’ve seen a slight increase in specific questions about CalFresh,” she said, “but nothing we can’t handle.”
Another initiative that is gaining traction on campus is the free food notification system, which is a feature in students’ one-card profiles that notifies them when excess or leftover food from events on campus becomes available.
“It’s not a Food Pantry initiative, but we’re encouraging faculty, staff, and event hosts to use the system, especially in these next few months,” Ogden said. “If there’s extra food, we want to make sure it gets into the hands of hungry students.”
Outside of campus, several local organizations are working to help SNAP cardholders and residents who are facing food insecurity. The San Francisco-Marin Food Bank, Mission Food Hub, St. Anthony’s Foundation, and Glide Memorial Church will also offer free meals and food distribution programs for individuals and families.
A few local restaurants have also pledged to offer free or discounted meals to SNAP recipients through November. While San Francisco’s temporary coverage of SNAP benefits provides short-term relief, campus leaders say it underscores the larger need for consistent, reliable food access.
“At the end of the day, our mission is to support students,” Ogden said. “Food insecurity can be really personal and scary, so we’re taking every opportunity we can to make sure students have what they need.” Go to sffoghorn.com to find a list of local restaurants providing extra resources.
