UCLA students fear losing CalFresh benefits as government shutdown continues
TOI GLOBAL DESK | TOI GLOBAL | Nov 03, 2025, 20:21 IST
As the government shutdown extends into another month, UCLA students fear losing access to CalFresh food benefits. The university hasn’t outlined a clear support plan, raising concerns of increased food insecurity. Nearly 60,000 UC students rely on CalFresh, and experts warn delays could worsen hunger on campus. California has allocated $80 million to food banks, but UCLA’s next steps remain uncertain.
As the federal government shutdown stretches into another month, students at UCLA say that they are worried about losing access to food through the CalFresh program which is California’s version of SNAP or food stamps.
The university has not yet announced a clear plan to help students if CalFresh payments are delayed. Experts say that could leave thousands of people without reliable access to meals.
“SNAP benefits cuts may lead to longer lines at campus food pantries, more students skipping meals, and elevated stress levels,” said an associate professor of social welfare at UCLA’s Luskin School of Public Affairs, in an emailed statement.
A UCLA study found that about half of all college students in California experience food insecurity. According to the California Policy Lab, nearly 60,000 UC students received CalFresh benefits during the 2022–2023 school year.
The food stamp delays are part of a larger issue caused by the ongoing government shutdown, now in its second month. Two federal judges ordered the Trump administration to use contingency funds to pay SNAP benefits by Oct 31 but it’s still unclear whether that will happen.
In California, Gov. Gavin Newsom has sent $80 million in state funds to food banks as a backup plan. Meanwhile, Kristina Meza, the executive director of the Poverty Alleviation Initiative at LA County’s Chief Executive Office, added that her office is providing support for the LA Regional Food Bank.
Students say UCLA should be more proactive. Summer Sun, an assistant professor of social welfare at UCLA Luskin, said the university has the resources to help but hasn’t communicated a clear plan.
As of Nov 1, UCLA had not emailed students about what to do if CalFresh benefits are delayed. “We are working closely with campus partners to minimize the impact of delayed benefits to ensure students have access to food and other essential support. The well-being of the Bruin community remains our highest priority,” a UCLA spokesperson said in an emailed statement, when contacted. However, no specific details were shared about how UCLA plans to support students if SNAP funds stop.
The university has not yet announced a clear plan to help students if CalFresh payments are delayed. Experts say that could leave thousands of people without reliable access to meals.
“SNAP benefits cuts may lead to longer lines at campus food pantries, more students skipping meals, and elevated stress levels,” said an associate professor of social welfare at UCLA’s Luskin School of Public Affairs, in an emailed statement.
A UCLA study found that about half of all college students in California experience food insecurity. According to the California Policy Lab, nearly 60,000 UC students received CalFresh benefits during the 2022–2023 school year.
The food stamp delays are part of a larger issue caused by the ongoing government shutdown, now in its second month. Two federal judges ordered the Trump administration to use contingency funds to pay SNAP benefits by Oct 31 but it’s still unclear whether that will happen.
In California, Gov. Gavin Newsom has sent $80 million in state funds to food banks as a backup plan. Meanwhile, Kristina Meza, the executive director of the Poverty Alleviation Initiative at LA County’s Chief Executive Office, added that her office is providing support for the LA Regional Food Bank.
Students say UCLA should be more proactive. Summer Sun, an assistant professor of social welfare at UCLA Luskin, said the university has the resources to help but hasn’t communicated a clear plan.
As of Nov 1, UCLA had not emailed students about what to do if CalFresh benefits are delayed. “We are working closely with campus partners to minimize the impact of delayed benefits to ensure students have access to food and other essential support. The well-being of the Bruin community remains our highest priority,” a UCLA spokesperson said in an emailed statement, when contacted. However, no specific details were shared about how UCLA plans to support students if SNAP funds stop.