For many students at Florida A&M University, grocery shopping once offered relief. A loaded EBT card meant one less thing to worry about in a semester already stretched thin by rent, tuition, and rising living costs. But recent changes to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits that went into effect Feb. 1, due to President Donald Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill,” have shifted that reality, leaving some students and community members scrambling to adjust.
Shakiera Nettles, a third-year broadcast journalism scholar at FAMU, said she noticed the difference immediately.
“When the changes were implemented, the amount I received dropped,” Nettles said. “It may not seem like a lot to some people, but when you’re budgeting down to the last dollar, every reduction matters.”
Nettles explained that her SNAP benefits once covered the bulk of her groceries for the month. Now, she finds herself rationing more carefully — stretching meals, choosing cheaper options and sometimes skipping items she once considered essentials.
“As a student, you’re already balancing classes, work and internships,” she said. “Having that cushion taken away adds another layer of stress.”
For Neveah Jackson, the impact has been even more drastic. Jackson said she is no longer eligible for SNAP benefits under the updated guidelines.
“SNAP was a lifeline for me,” Jackson said. “It allowed me to buy groceries consistently and save the money I earned from work for rent.”
Without those benefits, Jackson said her financial structure has shifted entirely. Money that once went toward housing now must be split between rent and food.
“There was security in knowing my food was covered,” she said. “Now, I’m constantly calculating what I can afford. It feels like survival mode.”
Students across campus say these experiences are becoming more common. The recent cuts affected 42 million Americans who relied on benefits. According to the Congressional Budget Office, 186 billion dollars, will be cut from funding up until 2034. As eligibility requirements tighten and benefit amounts fluctuate, many are turning to alternative resources. The FAMU Food Pantry has become one of the most relied-upon spaces for students seeking relief. Offering free canned goods, fresh produce and pantry staples throughout the week, it has quietly become a safety net for those who find themselves in need.
“It’s not something everyone talks about openly,” one student shared, “but a lot of us are going there now. It’s helping fill the gap.”
Beyond campus, community organizations are also stepping up. At 1200 Tharpe Street, a local food bank continues to serve residents in need. Nate Palmer, who supplies the food bank with fresh produce from First Harvest, said the demand has grown.
“We’re seeing more people come through who never had to before,” Palmer said. “Students, families, seniors — it’s a mix.”
Palmer emphasized that partnerships with organizations like First Harvest allow the food bank to provide fresh fruits and vegetables rather than just canned items.
“Access to healthy food shouldn’t be a privilege,” he said. “When federal support shifts, the community has to figure out how to support one another. That’s what we’re trying to do here.”
Still, advocates say food banks and campus pantries are not long-term substitutes for federal assistance. While they provide critical support, they often operate on donations and limited supply.
For students like Nettles and Jackson, the changes underscore a larger issue: the delicate balance many college students maintain just to stay enrolled and afloat.
“People don’t always realize how many students depend on programs like SNAP,” Nettles said. “It’s not about luxury. It’s about being able to focus on your education without wondering where your next meal is coming from.”
As Tallahassee continues to navigate the ripple effects of SNAP adjustments, one thing remains clear — behind every policy change are real students and families recalculating their futures, one grocery trip at a time.
