The federal government shut down Oct. 1 around the fifth week into the fall semester, becoming one of the longest shutdowns in United States history.
The shutdown could affect both the university and students who rely on benefits through SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), the Department of Veteran Affairs or the Department of Education.
On Nov. 3, the Trump administration said that they’ll provide half of the SNAP benefits this month using the program’s contingency fund, according to an article from CNN.
An article from 13abc also said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed an executive order directing the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services to give $7 million to Ohio food banks.
BGSU has provided on-campus resources for students who may experience food insecurity following the delay of November SNAP benefits.
If a student, member of staff or faculty is struggling with the pause on SNAP benefits, a resource they can turn to is the Falcon Food Pantry located in Central Hall 109. The pantry is open on Mondays and Thursdays 12 to 3 p.m. and Wednesdays 2:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Director of the Falcon Food Pantry, Dr. Orr, expressed that this delay on SNAP benefits will have a great impact on BGSU’s students and staff.
“Many of our students are on SNAP or their families are on SNAP, so losing those benefits is going to be a huge detriment and crisis for many of our students,” Orr said.
The Falcon Food Pantry has been preparing for the case of a government shutdown and loss of SNAP benefits for a while.
“We have been preparing for this for three weeks. So, starting three weeks ago, we started stockpiling food and increasing our deliveries and our orders to be prepared,” Orr said.
“We also have emergency food bags at the Jerome Library. We keep those at the Library at the front desk, so even when we’re closed, if a student is in a food crisis, they can pick up a bag of food,” Orr said.
The Falcon Food Pantry is also stocked with personal hygiene products as well.
“If we can help a student have a better experience. Eat more, eat better, get enough calories, then we want them to come to the food pantry,” Orr said.
Brown Bag Food Project is another resource for all those struggling with food insecurity in Bowling Green. The Brown Bag Food Project is located at 530 Sand Ridge Road and it is open to all members of the Bowling Green community. Brown Bag is open Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays 5 to 6:30 p.m.
Peg Holland, a board member of Brown Bag Food Project, said that they will serve anyone who gets in line by the time they close.
“If you are in line by 6:30, you will be served,” Holland said.
Anyone struggling with food insecurity is able to pick up a cart of food and supplies once every thirty days. Holland expressed that all are welcome at Brown Bag.
“Anybody is welcome. Don’t be ashamed. Don’t be afraid. We accept anybody. We don’t care who you are, what you are, what your dietary restrictions are. Let’s just not make food your concern this week,” Holland said.
The Dean of Students at BGSU is also providing food assistance resources such as the Falcon Care Card, which is a meal card with limited swipes that can be used at Carillon Place and the Oaks. Also, Grab-N-Go emergency food bags which provide three meals a day for up to three days.
Students can fill out a food assistance request form or visit the Office of the Dean of Students in the Bowen-Thompson Student Union Room 401.
During the government shutdown, military students have faced areas of uncertainty regarding education benefits.
Nick Hammond, BGSU freshman and military student, said they’re able to receive benefits that cover tuition as well as G.I Bill benefits which help students pay for school or training.
He said their benefits have not been affected because they’re funded through the state. But, their drill was canceled last month and caused most to miss a paycheck, he said.
“This next weekend, we will be working pretty much for free until it’s all resolved, and then we’ll get paid,” Hammond said.
He said they’ll be able to work as normal while the shutdown continues, but right now there’s a lot of up in the air regarding payments.
“We were told that we will get paid after the shutdown is over,” he said.
Veterans and active service members are not the only ones potentially affected financially. Any student applying for financial aid during the academic year may experience delays in processing, and they will no longer be able to seek direct assistance from the Department of Education, the American Council on Education (ACE) said.
BGSU President Rodney Rogers has taken to social media to assure students of the university’s commitment to support them through financial hardships during the shutdown.
On Facebook, he encouraged students to contact the Office of the Bursar for assistance regarding delayed payments and other issues.
Research conducted by the university may also be in jeopardy, as any research that relies on federal grants may not be able to receive said grants in a timely manner, according to International Business Times (IBT).
International students may also experience hardships with delays in federal immigration and visa offices, affecting new enrollment or status.
IBT noted that despite universities not seeing immediate effects in the classroom, if the government shutdown lasts any longer, universities across the country would experience significant issues.
