Christian Thomas and Kimora Wong-Sing, MSU Spokesman
With the government shutdown continuing into November, Morgan State University students who depend on federal assistance programs such as SNAP are bracing for disruptions that could make it harder to afford food and other necessities.
“Several years ago, we conducted a survey to look at issues of food security,” Morgan State University President David K. Wilson said. “It shocked all of us. We had a problem before and had never really understood the extent of it. We had so many students who were going around hungry.”
A shutdown could halt or delay several types of federal aid, including food subsidies, housing assistance and some student support programs. The federal government is responsible for funding SNAP benefits, which provide groceries for millions of Americans each month.
Under federal law, SNAP is classified as “open-ended mandatory spending,” meaning the government must fund benefits based on need, according to U.S. Facts and Cornell Law School’s Legal Information Institute.
But with federal funding in jeopardy, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore announced the state will temporarily cover the cost of SNAP benefits to ensure Maryland families continue receiving food assistance during the shutdown.
Moore committed $62 million in state funds for November, according to Maryland Matters and a statement from the governor’s office.
While Pell Grants and federal student loans are expected to continue, many Morgan students rely on SNAP to buy groceries a lifeline for those already struggling financially.
As Congress debates federal spending, students say losing access to food programs could devastate low-income families and college students who depend on consistent aid.
“I am affected by this situation going on just because, as a student veteran, it does affect us and certain things that we have going on,” said Ahriya Goins, a freshman social work major. “I think it’s unfortunate. I hope the government resolves this soon, because people are losing jobs and struggling, and the shutdown only makes it worse.”
Goins said being in college has made her more aware of how much federal benefits matter in daily life.
“Now that I’m in college, it has affected me more because I am more on my own,” she said. “I am more aware of everything as far as benefits and how they could be affected.”
Sydney Holland, a sophomore nursing major, said she feels the impact through her relatives who rely on SNAP.
“Personally, I’m not affected, but I do have family members who rely on SNAP and their EBTs to get food to help their family,” said Holland. “It’s sad watching how they’re about to struggle because the government’s not around right now.”
Holland said the slow pace of negotiations leaves her uneasy.
“I don’t think I’m confident at all because this is taking a really long time to get to a resolution, and it’s scary.”
Both Goins and Holland said the situation strengthens their commitment to helping others through their future careers.
“I feel like people are always going to have mental health challenges where people need someone to talk to,” said Goins. “So I definitely feel like social work is a promising future because people need help.”
“As a nurse, you help people no matter where they come from or what they have,” said Holland. “Seeing people who can’t help themselves right now makes me work harder for my future.”
Wilson said Pell Grants and federal loans remain funded but noted that students could still feel the effects if their parents or guardians are furloughed.
“The government shutdown has not impacted the Pell Grant program, and federal loans have not stopped,” said Wilson.
“The impact our students are feeling directly is more likely to be in the area of families being furloughed or not getting a paycheck.”
Morgan has set aside emergency funds from the MacKenzie Scott donation to help students facing financial hardship during the shutdown.
“We should be sending out a message to students who are having severe difficulties coming up with the last iteration of their bill,” said Wilson.
“There will be a process in place for students to apply for emergency assistance, and we’ve set aside funds to help those in severe financial need.”
To fight food insecurity, Morgan opened a Food Resource Center in the former Subway shop on campus. The center launched with a $30,000 donation from the Class of 1969 and now partners with local farms and community organizations to supply free groceries and essentials to students.
“We don’t want students in any way going around campus hungry,” said Wilson.
“Our obligation is to make sure the Food Resource Center is replenished on an ongoing basis because we want to ensure that students are appropriately nourished.”
Students who rely on SNAP or whose families face furloughs are encouraged to use the center as a backup if benefits are delayed.
Staff at the center said they have already seen an increase in visits as concerns about the shutdown grow.
Advocates say Congress must act quickly to ensure federal food programs stay funded. Without action, millions of Americans, including college students could face growing food insecurity.
Wilson said Morgan’s top priority is to keep students enrolled and supported through the uncertainty.
“If you are really running the risk of not being able to finish the semester because your parents can’t come up with that last installment on your bill,” said Wilson.
“Let us know, and we’ll see how we can help you.”