On Oct. 1, 2025, the U.S. government failed to reach a funding agreement, triggering the longest shutdown in history at 43 days. During this period, millions of Americans faced uncertainty as essential programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) were suspended. Even after the government reopened on Nov. 12, many beneficiaries continue to struggle with food insecurity.
SNAP provides low-income families and individuals with an Electronic Benefits Transfer card that works like a debit card for groceries. According to Georgetown University, 4.2 million low-income people—including 1.1 million college students—rely on SNAP benefits to make groceries affordable. When those benefits were frozen during the shutdown, many households were left scrambling.
ACC student Jakeshia Johnson knows the impact firsthand. “I started receiving food stamps in 2019 when I became a mother,” Johnson said. “The shutdown put my benefits on hold until Nov. 13, leaving my household struggling.”
The disruption also rippled across campus. The Dean of Students reported a surge in food pantry traffic and said students were “pretty stressed out” about rent and groceries. Military students faced additional challenges as their benefits were delayed.
In response, the college overstocked its food pantry, promoted donations, and distributed emergency funds to help students cover rent.
Community organizations and businesses are stepping up to fill the gap. All Health Network at Center Point will host a free Thanksgiving lunch on Nov. 25 from noon to 2 p.m. DoorDash has launched an emergency food response, delivering 1 million free meals through food banks and waiving fees for 300,000 SNAP grocery orders placed through its app. GoPuff is offering $50 in free groceries to SNAP recipients starting this month.
Students who need additional support can access The ACC Guide to Community Resources, created by the Dean of Students, to connect them with food, housing, and financial assistance. They can visit the Dean of Students’ office at ACC’s Littleton campus, on the second floor, to pick up the guide and visit the food pantry.
While the shutdown created challenges, community efforts and campus resources aim to ensure no student or family goes hungry this holiday season.
