By Mahdi Mahi
From Oct. 1 to Nov. 12, when the federal government was subjected to the longest shutdown in its history, up to 42 million Americans faced disruptions in SNAP, commonly known as food stamps, which provides monthly assistance to help eligible individuals purchase groceries. In New York state alone, about 1.7 million households representing nearly 3 million people rely on these benefits, according to the USDA. At Lehman College, where more than half of students come from low-income or working-class families and nearly 48% of undergraduates experience food insecurity, according to the CUNY Urban Food Policy Institute, the disruption hit hard. Even after the USDA announced partial restorations of benefits in some states on Nov. 6, the shutdown left many students unsure how they would afford food.
Baraka Corley, director of CUNY CARES at Lehman College, said, “We know how critical SNAP is for our students. When benefits are delayed or cut, it doesn’t just affect nutrition, it affects attendance, focus and academic success. Our office is working to make sure students know help is available right now through CUNY CARES emergency grants, the Lehman Food Bank and the Basic Needs Center.” The Lehman College Food Bank, located in the Old Gymnasium Building, Room B015A on the basement level, provides free groceries including produce, canned goods and hygiene items to any enrolled student. Students can visit Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 7:45 p.m. and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., and appointments can be scheduled through the Lehman Navigate app.
According to Anthony Rivera, Lehman’s food bank coordinator, “We’ve already seen a 30% increase in student visits since the beginning of November. Students are worried, especially those who relied on SNAP for most of their meals. We’re trying to make sure no one goes hungry.
Students are still feeling the impact in their daily lives. Maria Gomez, a biology major, said, “SNAP made it possible for me to buy healthy food without worrying about the money. Now that it’s ending, I’ll probably have to cut back on meals or eat less nutritious food. It’s hard to study when you’re hungry.
Ahmed Rahman, an economics student, said, “I work part time and send money home to help my parents. Without SNAP I’ll have to pick up extra shifts. That means less time for classes and homework. The food bank has really helped, but it can’t replace a full month’s groceries.”
Jasmin Lopez, a computer science major, said, “I didn’t expect this to happen right before the holidays. I’m grateful that Lehman has the food bank and CUNY CARES, but it’s still stressful not knowing if I’ll have enough food next week.”
“The message we want to send is that help,” Rivera said.
“Whether you need groceries for a meal or help applying for emergency aid, Lehman has programs ready to step in.
“It’s hard to study when you’re hungry.”- MARIA GOMEZ, LEHMAN BIOLOGY MAJOR
