Interim Editor in Chief- Colleen Coleman
Due to the ongoing federal government shutdown as of Oct. 1st, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP,) a government initiative made to help individuals with low or no income maintain adequate nutrition and health, had its benefits cut on Nov. 1st. Colloquially known as food stamps, SNAP was started in 1939 during the Great Depression to help support those experiencing unemployment and homelessness.
In 2023, Nicollet (St. Peter) and Blue Earth (Mankato) counties reported that between 9% and 13% of residents experienced food insecurity, compared to the national average of 10.5%. 3.8 million college students experienced food insecurity in 2020 according to the U.S. Government Accountability Office, and found that 59% of college students who were potentially eligible for SNAP didn’t report receiving benefits.
Federal judges ruled that freezing support for the country’s biggest anti-hunger program is unlawful, giving the Trump Administration until Nov. 3rd to create a plan to restore funding for SNAP amidst the shutdown. The Trump administration announced that it will restart SNAP benefits, but only paying out half the amount participants received before the shutdown, using money from an Agriculture Department contingency fund. However, the administration warned that there could be “lengthy delays before benefits get into the hands of low-income families who depend on SNAP to put food on the table,” according to the National Public Radio.
For students experiencing food insecurity, the Gustie Pantry is located in the basement of Old Main, and is accessible anytime the building is open. The United Christian Ministries is aiming to give 20% of their student donations to the St. Peter Area Food Shelf, and plan on stocking up for November and into the winter months for those who need it. Additionally, students are able to donate their leftover dining dollars near the end of the month in $10, $20, $30 increments. United hopes in the future months and years to implement projects related to combating food insecurity both in our local and global communities.
Additionally, United is seeking student organization sponsors to support the pantry for a month during the spring semester. Please reach out to interim co-presidents Senior Addison Andrix and Junior Soph White at aandrix@gustavus.edu and sophiawhite@gustavus.edu respectively for more information. Donations are always welcome, and can be dropped off during tabling during the end of the month, as well as in the drop bins in the Chapel and outside the Chaplain’s Office. These bins are intended for non-perishable or personal hygiene donations only, such as cereal, canned goods, rice, as well as shampoo/conditioner, toothbrushes and toothpaste, menstrual hygiene products, and much more.
President John Volin recently announced that the lunchtime buffet in the Three Crowns Room will be offered for free for those in the campus community who are negatively impacted by the shutdown, no money or ID card required, from 11a.m. – 1:30p.m. Monday-Friday.
Off campus, the St. Peter Area Food Shelf serves the St. Peter area and rural Nicollet county. Located at 201B South Third Street, those in need may call ahead to request an appointment at 507-934-9641. Visitors may use the food shelf once a month. For those able and willing, donations are welcome Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10a.m.-3p.m., and Thursdays from 3p.m.-8p.m. For more information, visit https://www.stpeterfoodshelf.com or contact their office at 507-934-9641. Additionally, the St. Peter Public Library is taking donations of non-perishable items, at the shelf located near the entrance.
Trinity Lutheran Church, located in St. Peter at 511 S 5th Street, hosts The Kitchen on Monday evenings at 5:30p.m. Their doors are welcome to all, regardless of faith identity, providing a warm meal for anyone who needs one. With volunteer support from four churches in St. Peter, they welcome donations from anyone willing and able. For more information, contact Trinity Lutheran’s office at 507-934-4786 or office@trinitystpeter.org.
Gustavus’ core values of Excellence, Community, Justice, Service, and Faith are truly at play here. Unprecedented times like this are when our community needs support more than ever. “A big thing we’ve been emphasizing in United and our endeavors, is that food isn’t political. People being fed is not a political agenda and is nonnegotiable,” Junior United President Grace LaTourelle said. As Gusties, we are called to serve others and support what we feel is just. Above all else, treat others as you would want to be treated.
For Gustavus community members who are able and willing to support those in need, donate your time, money, and resources to organizations who are providing support. Especially in a rural community, food insecurity is a common reality. Check in on those you care about: reach out to those close to you, take a friend out to dinner who needs it, grab an extra canned good when you’re grocery shopping, find the small ways to care for your community.