Aurora Hons
Staff Writer
Recent federal reductions to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, combined with Idaho’s strict eligibility requirements, created some new challenges for ISU students headed into the holiday season.
The cuts, caused by the government shutdown earlier this year, reduced monthly benefits for many low-income households. While SNAP payments have since resumed, students can be the most affected, as full-time enrollment places them in a narrow eligibility category with additional work and exemption requirements.
According to Lesa Crawford, the director of Benny’s Pantry, ISU’s on campus food pantry, confusion about SNAP qualifications remains one of the largest concerns. “I find that many students do not think that they will qualify for SNAP, the majority having never thought to apply,” Crawford said. “I think that it is common for people to believe that someone else needs help more than they do and they just try to make the best with what they have.”
To address this, the pantry encourages students facing food insecurity to use the SNAP screener often posted on social media sites. This tool can provide a quick estimate of eligibility before beginning the full application process. Students who do not qualify can find assistance through other campus and community resources such as the Idaho Food Bank.
The government’s temporary reduction of SNAP benefits during the shutdown resulted in increased demand at the pantry. “We did see an influx in both visits to the pantry and the amount of food that was distributed,” Crawford added. “This came on top of the already growing need for food insecurity support due to rising prices of groceries, rent and other basic needs.”
The pantry reports that many first-time visitors arrive with a friend for reassurance. Staff aim to maintain a welcoming, non-judgemental environment. “We take pride in offering a safe, welcoming and judgement free environment and want all of our Bengals to know that they are just as important as the next,” Crawford stated.
ISU student Titan Harrison said, “You’re not looked down upon for looking for just a little supplemental relief, and that these people are here to help you even if you’re not struggling as much as other people. You don’t need to be living in a cardboard box to use the pantry, it’s for everyone.”
Fresh items such as produce, dairy, and protein have the highest demand, along with staple foods like rice, potatoes, and pasta. The pantry also maintains a resource board for students supporting larger households who may need additional services outside the university.
The pantry typically experiences increased use during November and December driven by travel, gift expenses and rising food costs.
“Holidays do result in an uptick of visits to the pantry. For one, they are expensive times. Buying gifts, special foods and traveling are just part of the deal for most people. This means that things are tighter financially and the first place that people try to cut back is their everyday food purchases,” Crawford said. “We know that it can be a stressful time, on top of all the joy, and our staff looks forward to providing some relief. We try to offer something extra for our patrons during the holidays.”
This year, the pantry offered an additional shopping day before Thanksgiving to help students prepare for the weeklong holiday closure. Community donations also increase during this season, allowing the pantry to offer items that aren’t always available.
Students seeking assistance can schedule an appointment by calling (208) 282-2794. “I meet with students everyday who have different stories and different needs,” Crawford added. “I am honored when they are willing to share those things with me.”
As the holiday season begins, the effects of federal decisions are becoming increasingly clear on college campuses. Community support and campus initiatives help reduce immediate strain.
“We are seeing new faces all the time. I think that more and more students are coming to college to change their economic trajectory and it is to be expected that they will need support to get through this journey,” Crawford stated. “We want to help bridge the gaps in resources until they can get to that next step. It is part of the process.”
