SPOKANE, Wash. – With the looming government shutdown threatening crucial programs, the Spokane Community College food pantry is stepping up its operations to support financially struggling students.
Shelby Due, a student employee at the SCC food pantry, shared her experience. “So, I started working in the food pantry while attending school,” said Due.
Due is a student, a single mother and an employee at the food pantry. She relies on federal assistance to support her family. “I have two kids one and two and I’m also on food stamps because low income all of the things,” said Due. “I am not sure that the food stamps are going to be there so I might need a little extra help and actually be able to use the pantry.”
Doctor Suzanne Phillips, an organizer of the food pantry, noted an increase in pantry visits. “We’re seeing students who are in fear of losing those EBT or some sort of benefits for purchasing food for the families,” said Phillips.
The loss of SNAP benefits is not the only concern. Government-funded education programs like Head Start are also at risk. Kevin Brockbank, the chancellor of Spokane Colleges, expressed his concerns. “At this point we feel relatively positive that we will be able to draw down the Headstart money,” said Brockbank. “The biggest thing for us is the likelihood that snap benefits will end and as a part of that reduction of the DSHS staffing that BFET which is a basic family employment and training funds would go away.”
Brockbank emphasized the impact on individuals. “I don’t think people are paying any attention to how damaging to individuals it is to lose this funding,” said Brockbank.
Dr. Phillips added, “But I think we just we feel it across campus everywhere and it’s scary times.”
With over 15,000 students enrolled in the Head Start program in Washington and thousands more relying on grants, Brockbank highlighted specific concerns about November 1 when many government programs are expected to cease operation. “You know if you’re a single parent that’s trying to work through to your degree, you’re already taking a huge chance,” said Brockbank.
Due, while not usually relying on the pantry, expressed her gratitude. “I usually don’t if I have my money because there’s people in more situations than me and I don’t want to take from them,” said Due.
She is thankful for the pantry as a resource and aims to help others. “Everybody needs help every once in a while, that’s what we’re here for and if we have the extra to give, we’re going to give it,” said Due.
While the future of the government shutdown remains uncertain, Due wants students to know that the food pantry is there for them.
