Affect of Proposed Changes to SNAP: How Campus Hunger Could Escalate

On July 8, 2025, the Pitt Pantry in Oakland faced critical changes as legislation backed by former President Trump targets nutritional assistance programs like SNAP. This move imposes additional financial burdens on states and challenges efforts to support food-insecure students. Teona Hall, a social work student and mother of four, relies on SNAP benefits of $745 monthly but often finds it inadequate. Despite intending to improve her family's situation through education, she fears potential reductions in her aid. The new legislation introduces stricter work requirements while shifting funding responsibilities, potentially costing Pennsylvania over $320 million. With nearly 2 million Pennsylvanians reliant on SNAP, local organizations are grappling with the impending consequences of these cuts, which may complicate eligibility for college students. Advocates assert that increasing food insecurity among students risks undermining their educational success. Institutions are scrambling to address these challenges amid resource constraints, prioritizing support for vulnerable populations affected by the impending shifts.