Amid SNAP delays, where can Wichita State students go for support?

Piper Pinnetti/The Sunflower

As federal uncertainty over the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) continues, Wichita State University and local organizations are supporting Shockers who may be affected by potential disruptions.

The ongoing government shutdown has disrupted SNAP payments nationwide, threatening food access for millions of Americans — including college students already navigating strict eligibility rules and living costs.

SNAP, the nation’s largest anti-hunger program, provides monthly food assistance to low-income individuals and families. On Friday, Nov. 8, the Trump administration ordered states to halt full November SNAP payments, directing them to issue only partial benefits. A Supreme Court ruling and new legal motions have left future funding uncertain again.

The Student Government Association has increased funding for the Kiah Duggins Shocker Support Locker, a free on-campus pantry offering food, hygiene items and clothing to students, faculty and staff. The locker, renamed in honor of WSU alumna Kiah Duggins in October, has been a lifeline for students facing food insecurity since its creation in 2016.

Student Body President Jia Wen Wang said SGA is allocating additional funds through the locker’s foundation account to prepare for possible increased demand in November. Wang said $3,340 was spent during the week of Oct. 26 to purchase extra supplies, emphasizing that while there is no fixed budget for supporting the locker, student support remains the priority.

The student resource, however, was closed from Oct. 31 to Nov. 10 and will close again during the upcoming Thanksgiving Break.

Students who rely on SNAP face additional challenges: pandemic-era exemptions that made it easier for college students to qualify ended in 2023, tightening eligibility. To receive SNAP, students now must meet certain exemption criteria — such as participating in work-study, having an expected family contribution of $0 or being under 18 or over 49.

Local resources are helping alongside campus efforts. The Helping Hands Pantry offers food assistance through its College and Grad Student Assistance Program, providing help to students in need through online registration and direct outreach.

Kansas is among the top states for SNAP usage, with more than 198,000 residents receiving benefits in fiscal year 2024. But with payments potentially reduced to 65% and the USDA’s emergency fund depleted, even short-term disruptions could have long-term effects on students’ well-being.

University officials are urging students to stay informed about available resources and to visit the Kiah Duggins Shocker Support Locker if they are struggling to afford groceries.

SNAP Developments Amid Shutdown:

Oct. 31 — USDA halts benefits: The Department of Agriculture directed states to stop issuing November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, citing the ongoing federal government shutdown. SNAP provides monthly food assistance to millions of low-income Americans.

Early November — Court rules partial funding illegal: A federal court ruled that freezing SNAP benefits during the shutdown was unlawful. In response, the Trump Administration said it would restart payments using $4.65 billion from the USDA’s contingency fund — enough to cover about half of normal benefits. Kelly gave a response to the ruling.

Nov. 7 — KDCF says benefits will be distributed: DCF issued complete November benefits to Kansas SNAP recipients. Those receiving food assistance should have full access by the end of day Friday. Kansas distributed more than $31.6 million in full SNAP benefits to about 86,000 families.

Nov. 8 — USDA memo to states: Despite the partial funding, the USDA issued a new memo telling states to “undo” any steps to issue full November benefits and instead issue partial payments of 65% for the month. The memorandum issued warnings about funding consequences for noncompliance.

Nov. 9 — Senate advances funding deal and to begin ending the shutdown: The Senate voted to begin debate on a bipartisan plan to end the government shutdown and restore full SNAP funding through the end of the fiscal year. If approved by both chambers and signed by the president, the lawsuit over SNAP would become moot.

Nov. 10 — District court issues temporary restraining order: A federal district court in Massachusetts issued a temporary restraining order to block the USDA’s Nov. 8 memo, preventing the agency from forcing states to roll back full benefits already distributed.

Nov. 10 — Supreme Court issues order in Rollins v. Rhode Island State Council of Churches: The Supreme Court directed the government to confirm whether it intended to pursue a stay of the district court’s order regarding SNAP funding.

• The government was required to notify the court of its intent by 11 a.m. (EST).
• If it intended to proceed, it had to file a supplemental brief by 4 p.m. (EST).

Nov. 10 — Solicitor General’s letter to Supreme Court: U.S. Solicitor General John Sauer informed the Court the administration still plans to pursue a stay of the lower-court order but noted the new Senate action and the temporary restraining order could change or resolve this dispute. Sauer confirmed the government filed its supplemental brief by the 4 p.m. deadline.

Nov. 11 — Supreme Court response expected: The respondents — Rhode Island State Council of Churches — are required to file a response to the government’s stay application and supplemental brief by 8 a.m. (EST). The Court could take further action or clarification on SNAP funding after reviewing both filings.

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