As November began, many students and their families underwent a significant change. Due to the government shutdown, there was not enough funding to provide food stamps to families across the country. This affected them because they only received partial payments from the emergency funds. Many people do not realize how this can affect many students and their families. Nutrition plays a massive role in a student’s body, helping them excel in school.
“Food stamps are something my family depends on. Being in a one-income household, we need all the help we can get,” said an anonymous student at Athens Drives who receives EBT.
Electronic Benefits Transfer, commonly known as Food Stamps or simply EBT, is widely used by low-income families to purchase food, including meat, vegetables, and dairy products. Many students and their families depend on EBT to buy food for the month. It allows them to take one stressor off their backs and focus on other things they have to deal with. In addition, it enables students to eat their three meals a day.
“I’m still a student as well as my little brother. I got a job to help as much as I can, but managing a job, school, and friends can get overwhelming,” said an anonymous Athen Drive student who receives EBT.
Students whose families receive Food Stamp benefits and are not receiving them during the government shutdown experience stress as they worry about how they’ll get their everyday meals, wondering how they’ll get food for dinner. Teachers worry about students who may be losing their benefits.
“It’s very difficult. I think you’re putting young people in a really tough position when they have to make that choice at a young age,” said Ryan Westbrook, economics teacher at Athens Drive.
When the resource of receiving food is removed from students, it can affect their academic performance in school. Instead of concentrating in school, they may be worried about how to help their families. This creates a factor that students need to worry about, which decreases their academic performance.
“This also continues to affect my school performances, as I find myself worrying about the next meal I will receive and not having to choose between eating and paying rent,” said an anonymous Athens Drive student who receives EBT.
Student families had to find an alternative way to receive their monthly produce. Many food banks are experiencing a shortage because more families need more produce. However, Food Banks are very beneficial for families, as they provide produce, meat, and other necessities. Many locations and churches, such as White Plains Methodist, Raleigh Church of Christ, and Dorcas Ministries, help distribute food to families. Many schools also offer Backpack Buddies for students to take home. These are bags of food for students that can be taken home.
“I think we will absolutely see a large rise in, like, shelters, you know, school food banks, all those things. We’ve seen it already just from the government,” said Westbrook.
The month of November started affecting families due to insufficient funds to buy groceries. A big question asked among people was: How long will this keep going on? Will families in the upcoming month be cut off from Food Stamps? A government shutdown can affect many families in the United States because so many programs lack sufficient funding.
“It’s almost like you’re punishing the least, the people who are at the least financial capability to afford food,” said Westbrook.
