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.
However, due to unexpected supply shortages from the Redwood Empire Food Bank (REFB), Lobo’s Pantry has temporarily paused access for students with full campus dining plans (yellow sticker users). The pantry plans to return to normal operations once the food supply stabilizes and CalFresh benefits resume.
“Some students depend on CalFresh for everything,” said Erik Dickson, Associated Students executive director. “It’s a huge impact on a lot of students who rely on those benefits. That’s why we wanted to make sure Lobo’s Pantry could provide more food during this time.”
Associated Students began preparing for the disruption after receiving notice from the university’s CFO Resource Hub that EBT reloads were delayed for November. In response, the pantry increased allocation by one-third for CalFresh users, relying on existing budgeted funds and ongoing partnership with the Redwood Empire Food Bank.
“The Redwood Empire Food Bank is doing a great job getting us the food we need,” Dickson said. “We haven’t experienced a big spike in users yet, but we’re ready to help anyone who needs support.”
The Redwood Empire Food Bank, which supplies food to Lobo’s Pantry and more then 150 partner organizations across Sonoma County, has also felt the ripple effects of the shutdown.
“Yes, we are meeting the surge in emergency support head-on,” said Director of Marketing and Communications for REFB Rachelle Mesheau. “Despite major setbacks – including over $700,000 in missing food shipments and significant funding cuts earlier this year – we’re actively sourcing supplies and expanding operations to make sure students and neighbors get what they need.”
“Demand at our food distribution sites has risen by as much as 30% on certain days,” Mesheau said. “We’re staying flexible so no one is turned away.”
Mesheau emphasized that community donations and volunteer support are critical as the shutdown continues.
“Every dollar and donated item goes straight to use – directly supporting Sonoma County residents who turn to us during this challenging time,” she said.
The disruption stems from a federal standoff over SNAP funding between the Trump administration and Congress. On October 28th, California Governor Gavin Newsom filed a lawsuit against the administration for “illegally withholding SNAP food benefits” owed to millions of low-income residents.
In a major legal victory announced November 6th, a federal court ordered the administration to restore benefits, and Californians have begun to see funds reloaded onto their EBT cards this week. According to KTVU, some Bay Area residents have already received their full SNAP amounts.
“It really highlights why programs like Lobo’s Pantry and Noma CARES are important,” Dickson said. “We want students to know they don’t have to worry about eating – we’re here to support them.”
Students facing food insecurity are encouraged to reach out to Noma Cares Central at (707) 664-3000 or visit as.sonoma.edu/bni for additional basic needs resources.
Residents and students can also support REFB by donating funds or non-perishable items, hosting food drives, or volunteering through its A Simple Gesture program. Details are available at: refb.org
