Empire State University’s Basic Needs Program Supports Students During SNAP Benefit Shortage  

With the longest federal government shutdown in history affecting the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and other benefits, many college students are facing basic needs insecurities. SUNY Empire’s Basic Needs Program is ready to help the online university’s unique community of students.  

In the United States alone, 59% of students experience at least one form of basic needs insecurity related to food or housing while pursuing their education. Through Empire State University’s Basic Needs programs, students have access to a virtual food pantry, emergency grants, 24/7 mental health support, a laptop loaner program, and more. In addition, the university’s partnership with the nonprofit organization Single Stop connects the university’s students with benefits in their own communities. 

“If you’re not meeting your basic needs then you might not be able to focus on your goals,” said SUNY Empire’s Basic Needs Coordinator Anna Zoodsma. “If you don’t have food on your table, it’s really difficult to write an essay.” 

As SUNY’s leading online university and New York state’s first and only public online university, SUNY Empire’s virtual food pantry allows students to order food online. Since its inception in 2024, the virtual food pantry has seen 285 applications. It has helped fill a critical need for nearly 1,000 beneficiaries with more than $67K in awarded funds. 

In the first week of November alone, the pantry received 70 requests. Seeing a need for more resources, Empire State University’s Student Government Association (SGA) approved a $35K allocation to the food pantry to support more students in their time of need. 

“In today’s challenging world, students should never have to choose between SUNY Empire and meeting their basic needs,” said SGA President Brady Stewart. “We want students to say, ‘I chose SUNY Empire because I feel supported here.’ Resources like the Virtual Food Pantry help make that possible. The SGA will continue championing initiatives that strengthen equity, belonging, and access so every student has what they need to thrive in and out of the classroom.” 

And the support doesn’t stop there. More than 470 emergency grants have been awarded to students who face emergencies or setbacks surrounding basic needs. 

“It’s human to struggle, and having these supports available so students don’t feel like they’re on their own when something out of their control happens is important,” said Zoodsma. “It’s affirming to know that someone has your back if the unexpected happens.”