kaleah johnson
Earlier this month, the federal government officially entered a shutdown, pausing key operations nationwide. Now, weeks later, the lockdown continues, and heading into November, millions of Americans are bracing for the fallout, including the suspension of EBT benefits, delayed tax refunds, and stalled federal aid programs. For low-income families and college students the absence of food assistance is more than an inconvenience, it’s a crisis. “I just got a new apartment and a car, and I was relying on food stamps to help out with groceries. I wish I had them,” said Racquel Burton, a sophomore majoring in criminal justice at Southern University. It’s hard to plan for the future when you don’t know how you’ll eat next week.”
The shutdown has left state leaders scrambling to fill the gaps. As the crisis deepens, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry is facing intensifying pressure to respond. Students and families across the state are calling for emergency support, clearer communication, and local solutions to cushion the blow. With Thanksgiving approaching and grocery prices climbing, many are asking: what will happen when the help runs out?
Governor Jeff Landry has confirmed that Louisiana will issue limited emergency EBT benefits to children, elderly residents, and individuals with disabilities as the federal shutdown continues into November. While the full SNAP program stays frozen at the national level, Landry’s plan will distribute reduced amounts to the state’s most vulnerable populations. “This is not a full solution,” he said, “but it’s a necessary step to prevent hunger while Washington stalls.”
With Thanksgiving approaching, students and families are voicing concern about how the scaled-back support will affect holiday meals and traditions. “Something tells me for Thanksgiving; it’s going to be worse than what it is. A lot of people are going to be struggling in the food area in addition to the consistent recall in food. Prices are going to be higher. I really doubt things are going to go back to normal,” said Ja’Asia Robertson, a sophomore nursing major at Southern University.
Governor Jeff Landry’s proposal to build a statue of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk at LSU has stirred controversy, especially as many Louisiana residents face economic hardship during the federal shutdown. Critics argue that the state’s resources should be directed toward supporting veterans, college students, and the homeless rather than symbolic gestures during this time. The announcement, made during a Turning Point USA event, has sparked debate across campuses and communities. “I honestly think his priorities are messed up completely, I feel like he’s directing money for a statue towards something that is completely irrelevant when there are bigger issues,” continued Robertson.
Ronald Jackson, assistant dean and professor for the College of Business at Southern University, echoed concerns about the state’s priorities. “I’m very empathetic towards the process. Subsidized food because we’re not equal… The state of Louisiana should be proactive in supporting those individuals, the elderly, disabled, and children, I agree.”
As students across Louisiana face growing uncertainty, the impact of the federal shutdown is hitting closer to home than ever. From possible empty grocery shelves to unanswered questions about holiday meals, the strain is real, and it’s being felt in dorms, classrooms, and family kitchens. While emergency EBT support offers a temporary lifeline, many are calling for lasting change and leadership that puts people first. In a time when every dollar and decision matters, students are proving that their voices are powerful, and they’re demanding to be heard.