Much uncertainty remains after federal funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) lapsed due to a government shutdown on Nov 1. While it was confirmed on Nov. 3 that the Trump administration would use a contingency fund to provide partial funding for November benefits, many in Winona and beyond are worried about what this might mean for how they and their families obtain food.

Many people in the Winona community rely on SNAP benefits, commonly known or referred to as food stamps, for basic groceries and nutrition. According to Aurea Osgood, manager of the Warrior Cupboard on campus, there are about 3,100 people receiving SNAP benefits in 1,800 households in Winona County. The assistance they receive could range anywhere from a few dollars a month to up to $800 a month for larger families. With the potential for greater food insecurity, Osgood postulates that food pantries and programs like the Warrior Cupboard will likely experience an upswing in utilization.  

Osgood says, “it’s hard to know a few days into the month what the impact is going to be. I can tell you that since the first of the month, we’ve had nine students sign up for the Warrior Cupboard. This time of year, that’s higher than we would expect for mid-semester.” The Warrior Cupboard is open to students who have approved access to it whenever the IWC is open. There is no limit or regulation on how many times a student can come in and get food—they are able to come as needed. Osgood also notes that the Warrior Cupboard “is a supplemental resource. We don’t have the resources to provide all groceries for any student that needs them. We have fairly limited funding each year…So we’re going to get you the protein and the vegetables and milk and eggs and things like that, but we can’t do everything.” 

Some students on campus need to use the Warrior Cupboard, but do not know about it. Osgood emphasizes the importance of spreading the word that this service is available to students who need it. She says, “If you hear someone in a group talking about, yeah, I haven’t eaten today, I just can’t afford groceries— send them over. There’s a Warrior Space form to request access and then access goes on your ID card so you just have to swipe into the space whenever you need.” 

While the future of SNAP funding remains uncertain, students can still take steps to help their fellow students and other community members. Karen Stoltz, Basic Needs Coordinator for Winona State University emphasizes the ways students can help their fellow Warriors during times of food insecurity.  

“Students can share with their classmates that the Warrior Cupboard is available to support their dietary needs and is easily accessible with their Warrior ID. Student organizations are welcomed to reach out to Aurea Osgood if they are interested in coordinating a food drive— donations are always welcomed and can be dropped off in the baskets next to the Warrior Cupboard door as well.”  

Stoltz also encourages students who receive SNAP funding to keep their contact information up to date so that they can receive updates through text or phone calls.  

Additional Resources:  

1. Second Harvest is also available to assist people with completing the SNAP application. You can call Second Harvest at: 866-844-FOOD or 651-401-1411.  
2. Winona Volunteer Services offers a food shelf, thrift store, and more.  
3. The WSU Basic Needs in Winona and WSU Basic Needs in Rochester webpages offer a variety of resources on the WSU campuses and within the greater area.  
4. You can also find additional support regarding food and other basic needs at 211unitedway.org.