Hundreds of thousands of CA college students brace for loss of food benefits

SAN JOSE, Calif. (KGO) -- Hundreds of thousands of college students in California will lose access to food benefits in November, due to the federal government shutdown.

At San Jose State, ABC7 News spoke with students who use the food pantry on campus. Roberto Sandoval is a CalFresh recipient.

"I don't know, try to shop as cheap as I can, asking for help, asking family members for help," Sandoval said.

He said the benefits allow him to make healthier choices.

"If you're eating Cup of Noodles and struggling, 7-Eleven pizza it doesn't give you the most energy," Sandoval said.

MORE: San Francisco partners with Crankstart Foundation to offer $18 million to CalFresh recipients

On Wednesday, San Jose State's Wellness Center sent a message to students saying whoever needs help can fill out a 'request for assistance' form.

ABC7 News spoke with Catherine Voss Plaxton, Associate Vice President for Health, Wellness, and Student Services.

"I think we're still waiting to see the full effects of all these changes and we're just doing our best to be prepared for those changes," Voss Plaxton said.

MAP: Bay Area residents set to lose CalFresh benefits Nov. 1 amid government shutdown

The message also called for donations from the community for the Spartan Food Pantry to help meet increased demand.

"We are encouraging anyone who remembers what it was like to be a college student and having to struggle with rent payments and paying for books and that kind of thing and just make sure that if you can - you come together to support this community," Voss Plaxton said.

For the 2022-2023 school year, the California Policy Lab found 276,000 community college students received CalFresh benefits.

Johanna Lacoe, Research Director for California Policy Lab at UC Berkeley, co-authored the analysis.

She said the number for the Cal State University system is similar.

MORE: Bay Area restaurant owners step in to feed SNAP recipients amid government shutdown

"We really don't want to see students taken off course because they can't afford their basic needs; we really want them to be able to achieve their goals and complete their degrees," Lacoe said.

Lacoe encourages college students to reach out to their Basic Needs Center if they need help.

"Campuses are preparing grocery gift cards and emergency grants and working with on-campus dining facilities to try to figure out expanded meal support," Lacoe said.