The longest government shutdown in U.S. history has had ramifications across the nation — among them, the cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in November have left the nearly 42 million people who rely on these benefits wondering where their next meal will come from.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is in charge of administering SNAP benefits on a federal level. Because of the shutdown, the USDA froze funding, meaning on Nov. 1, SNAP recipients did not receive their usual aid.
On Nov. 3, the Trump administration announced it would allocate $4.65 billion from the Agriculture Department's contingency fund. This allotment is a little over half of the usual $8-9 billion that is given to SNAP recipients monthly.
On Nov. 4, the Arizona Department of Economic Security was instructed by the USDA to recalculate benefits for November, which would result in eligible households receiving a maximum of 50% of expected benefits. The amount may be further reduced if the household has any income, the DES website previously said, as of the afternoon.
Today, U.S. District Judge of Rhode Island John J. McConnell Jr. ordered the Trump administration to fully fund SNAP benefits for November, which the administration appealed. McConnell gave the administration until Friday to disperse the funds, but it is unlikely recipients will receive them so soon, according to the Associated Press.
In Arizona, almost 900,000 people rely on these benefits every month. Gov. Katie Hobbs announced on Oct. 29 that $1.8 million from leftover federal COVID-19 funds would be allocated to support Arizonans losing food stamp benefits.
Attorney General Kris Mayes, along with 21 other attorneys general, is suing the USDA for unlawfully suspending SNAP benefits nationally. The lawsuit is an attempt to access the USDA's contingency fund, which is estimated to have between $5 billion and $6 billion.
"In the lawsuit I filed to protect SNAP for 900,000 Arizonans — including 1 in 4 Arizona kids — the court ruled the Trump administration acted illegally by trying to cut off access to food benefits even though there are emergency funds available," Mayes wrote in a statement.
Mayes also said it may be several weeks before funds become available to SNAP recipients due to the Trump administration's delay of these critical benefits.
At ASU, the Pitchfork Pantry, a student-led food pantry that provides free access to food, essential clothing and hygiene products, is waiting to see how deeply these cuts will affect students.
Maureen McCoy, a professor of nutrition in the College of Health Solutions, as well as the faculty adviser for the Pitchfork Pantry and Sun Devil Swipes, said many of the students who frequent the pantry are not on SNAP benefits because it is difficult for students to qualify.
While the pantry has not seen any measurable increases in student need, McCoy said many of the food banks the pantry partners with have experienced massive demand increases since the cuts.
Because the pantry is student-led, weekly distributions are managed by Sun Devils. ASU does not provide additional money outside of its club funding limits, leaving the pantry to offer more nonperishable items than fresh ones.
Due to time and capacity within the student organization, the pantry is not able to increase its hours as of now.
Many students are not taught how to stretch food dollars or cook on a budget, which makes it even more difficult for those struggling with access to food, she said. In addition to that, struggling with food insecurity can make academics and even social activities impossible for some.
Skipping meals means you are not feeding your brain to work at its best ability, potentially leading to a lack of concentration in class and having to drop out of school, McCoy said.
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To better equip students facing a lack of access to food, the pantry is working on various initiatives that focus on food education. This includes things like a cooking class where students would be given basic cooking ingredients and utensils, as well as a curriculum that teaches how to use potatoes as a base for a variety of dishes.
"ASU is committed to making sure students have the support they need, so food insecurity is not a barrier to their academic success," a University spokesperson said. "Our approach goes beyond pantries to connecting students directly with resources, such as employment opportunities, scholarships, emergency funds, immediate access to food in our on-campus dining venues, or other benefits."
Saurabh Nilesh Dusane, an international graduate student studying computer engineering, has had many days where he goes to bed hungry, trying to save money for tuition and other expenses higher education brings.
The pantry is an essential food source that has helped him maintain energy and focus on academics. With demanding courses and workloads, he often does not have the proper time or resources to prepare fulfilling meals. For Dusane, the pantry fills that gap with nutritious and diverse food options.
"Food insecurity is a reality that many of us international students face, often in silence," Dusane said in an email. "Resources like Pitchfork Pantry don't just address hunger — they provide dignity and support that allow us to continue pursuing our education. Any cuts to programs that help students access food can have a profound impact on our ability to succeed academically."
Similarly, Casey Verde, a junior studying culture, technology and environment, has turned to the pantry in his time of need. Verde specifically thanks the pantry for providing staple items such as peanut butter, which lasts a long time and is versatile.
Verde's mother is currently on SNAP benefits, but he has not been able to receive them himself due to his age, the lengthy documentation process and at times, dealing with hostile workers from the agency. Without direct food access, Verde has also seen an impact on his social life.
"With the social aspect, it sucks, because when you're in a really tight place with money and you're trying to save everything that you do have for what you really need, you have to decline going to social outings, like going out to coffee with a friend or meeting them to get lunch or something like that," Verde said.
Relating to academics, Verde said attempting to go to class on an empty stomach can lead to a headache, lack of focus or generally feeling bad.
"People just need to know that it's not shameful (to ask for help). The student campus resources are there for you, so you should use them while you're a student here," Verde said.
Edited by Senna James, Henry Smardo, Sophia Braccio and Pippa Fung.
Reach the reporter at nrodri74@asu.edu.
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Natalia Rodríguez is the Community and Culture Editor, this is her third semester with The State Press. She has previously worked with LOOKOUT, covering the LGBTQ+ community across Arizona.
