Editors’ Note: As of Nov.10, updates are still continuing regarding the federal government shutdown and its effects on individuals and families who use food stamps. City on a Hill Press remains committed to reporting on this subject.

One-in-five UC Santa Cruz undergraduate students utilize SNAP. 

The program feeds low-income individuals and families by providing monthly Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) that can be used like a debit card to buy groceries. But due to the government shutdown, the state of that support is unclear.

“I’ve been rationing out what I have to ensure that I have something [to eat] for the next month or so,” said Juan Carlos Cardenas, a fourth-year legal studies and Latin American and Latino studies double major. “I’m just uncertain of what’s gonna happen. I mean, that’s it. Just uncertainty.”

Santa Cruz Food Not Bombs distributes food amidst the nationwide halt on food stamps, allowing people in need to receive a meal.

A Rundown and the Effects 

The government shutdown, which began on Oct. 1, effectively froze all federally funded services deemed “non-essential.” The Trump administration planned to halt the distribution of funding for EBT, which provides over 5.5 million Californians with food stamps. 

“As a student, I just don’t have the time to be working 40 hours. I don’t have the time to get another job,” Cardenas said. “I use all of my [EBT balance] every month. EBT is responsible for 80-75 percent of my meals.”

After a month-long back and forth, a federal judge ordered the Trump administration to fully fund the benefits on Nov. 6. However, the Trump administration is taking the ruling to the Supreme Court. With frequent and ongoing developments, students are still unsure of what’s to come.

“I’m saving my EBT, saving the money I do have, and I’m trying to find a job to work it out,” shared Sithmi Hapuarachchi, a third-year molecular, cell and developmental biology major. “It’s frustrating because it’s so last minute and everything is just so uncertain.”

For Cardenas in particular, EBT doesn’t just relieve his food insecurity — it also helps alleviate his family’s financial burdens. 

“I don’t have that family [financial] support, [EBT] fills in that gap,” Cardenas said. “My family has to feed themselves; they don’t have the time to be taking care of me. I feel like that’s the same for a lot of students, a lot of our families are struggling … no one’s making enough to feed themselves.” 

Amidst the legal battle, some UCSC students received their benefits on Nov. 7. However, many current recipients are still waiting, and those recently approved for benefits have received no notice on their EBT card status. 

Students Support Students

When transparency is low, the community steps up. Some student organizations have already begun to accommodate the surge in students facing food insecurity. 

The UCSC Produce Pop-Up is offering free produce to any student who shows an eligible EBT card. The Ethnic Resource Center (ERC) has also started hosting food distributions every Thursday. Cowell Coffee Shop and the Redwood Free Market serve students by providing free groceries and meals. 

“Community always rises, and I think at UCSC, [students] are really well known for building great communities, whether they’re really niche or really expansive,” said Ireland Allison, a fourth-year psychology and education, democracy and justice double major. “I’m really proud to be a part of that community.”

Juan Carlos Cardenas stated that expressing anger — together — is crucial to make change. 

“In these moments of struggle, it’s very important for students to organize and have a united front,” he said. “We need to unite in how we’re feeling, and ensure that we’re not left behind. If we are all yelling our loudest together, I feel like someone will hear us, someone will have to pay attention.”

Timeline of EBT Status During the Government Shutdown:

September 30th- US Department of Agriculture releases a document stating it will use its emergency fund for EBT during the government shutdown.

October 1st – Government shutdown begins.

October 27th – USDA redacts document protecting SNAP funding. The Trump administration asserts it will not disburse benefits during the shutdown.

October 28th – Over two dozen states sue the Trump administration for EBT cuts.

November 1st – Rhode Island federal judge orders Trump to make at least partial payments to SNAP recipients.

November 3rd – The Trump administration says it will use emergency funds to provide partial benefits, but disbursements could be delayed.

November 6th – A federal judge orders Trump to fully fund EBT benefits by Nov. 7.

November 7th – An unknown number of people receive partial or full benefits; Supreme Court pauses federal judges’ order to fully fund SNAP upon the Trump administration’s request.

A student restocks vegetables at the UCSC Produce Pop-Up. 

Resources:

Cowell Coffee Shop: Located on campus. Serves free food and drinks. They are open Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Redwood Free Market: Located on campus in Rachel Carson College. Provides free produce, dried goods, personal care items and more. They are open during various hours Monday through Friday.

Produce Pop-Up: A twice-weekly pop-up providing low or no-cost produce sourced from the UCSC Farm and other local growers. They are open Wednesday at the Quarry Plaza and Friday at Science Hill from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

Food Not Bombs: A volunteer program that shares meals to those in need. They distribute food every weekend at the Santa Cruz Clock Tower from 12 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. They can be reached by their email, menu@foodnotbombs.net. 

Slug Support Crisis Line: A crisis line for basic needs. They are available Monday through Friday, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Their phone number is (831) 459-7003.