A federal government shutdown has caused widespread uncertainty regarding the distribution of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and CalFresh benefits, leaving many Sonoma County residents, including Sonoma State University students, unsure when or if their food assistance funds will arrive for November.
Although the shutdown has ended by the time of publication, the damage is already done – and the possibility of SNAP distribution being delayed in a future shutdown leaves many students uncertain about the reliability of these services.
At Sonoma State, Lobo’s Pantry and Associated Students (AS) took steps to support students affected by the pause in benefits. Beginning November 1, students who show their EBT card and Student ID at the pantry are eligible to receive 33% more food than usual while the situation continues…