From the President: Supporting Our Community Through the SNAP Disruption

November 6, 2025

Dear Southern Community,

As many of you know, the recent federal government shutdown has disrupted SNAP benefits, which were not distributed on November 1 and are unlikely to be fully restored in the near future. This affects millions of families across the country — including over 30,000 in New Haven — some of whom are Southern students now struggling to afford basic groceries.

Student use of the SCSU Food Pantry has grown significantly over the past year, and we expect continued demand for food assistance both on campus and in the broader community.

​​Please consider making a donation to support our students and neighbors. On average, families receive about $320 per month in SNAP benefits, so even a small contribution can help bridge the gap.

You can:

• Donate directly to the SCSU Food Pantry, which supports students in need.

• Support local food pantries serving our wider community.

Your support can help make a meaningful difference during this challenging time.

Sincerely,

Dr. Sandy Bulmer
Interim President