At midnight on Oct. 1, 2025, the longest federal government shutdown in United States history sent shockwaves throughout the nation, threatening SNAP benefits and student financial aid. Congress failed to pass legislation to fund the government for the new fiscal year, leading to a 43-day government shutdown that left federal employees without pay and millions of Americans without access to social programs. The impact extended beyond federal workers, affecting families and students around the country.
During the shutdown, funding for SNAP, the federal program that provides food benefits to low-income families, ran out, threatening access to food for vast numbers of Americans. In Los Angeles County alone, 1.5 million residents depend on these assistance programs to afford basic groceries. When federal funding stopped, local food banks saw an increase in demand. During his sophomore retreat day at Westside Food Bank, Benito Arias ‘28 stated, “It was hard work packing food for 200 families already, but the staff told us they now have to pack for more than 250 families!” The jump in need reflects how quickly households feel the loss of federal support and how families turn to emergency resources for stability.
Carlos Acosta, a science teacher at Loyola, described the impact of the lack of funding, saying, “My mom is retired and relies on SNAP and Social Security, which were both impacted by the shutdown. I felt very lucky that I could support her if she needed it, but fortunately, she didn’t.” The shutdown finally ended when the president signed a temporary funding bill into law. The bill gave a full year of funding, through September 30, 2026, for SNAP and WIC benefits, veterans affairs and congressional operations.
While the legislation prevented further harm, it did not erase the hardships people endured, nor did it reverse the new restrictions that limit who can qualify to receive these benefits. As Loyola seniors and thousands of students across are in the middle of the college application process, the staffing shortages in the U.S. Department of Education and the Office of Federal Student Aid caused major delays. With staff on temporary layoffs or working without pay, FAFSA processing slowed dramatically, threatening the financial lifeline many students require to afford college. Now, seniors will receive their financial aid awards weeks later than expected, pushing families to choose colleges without knowing the true out-of-pocket costs.
As a Jesuit institution, Loyola emphasizes service and care for the vulnerable as foundational values. The shutdown stresses how quickly everyday necessities like food and education can be disrupted. We are called to step in where the government falters, either by volunteering at food banks, donating food or advocating for those most affected. The 2025 shutdown was a frightening and painful period for millions across the country. Though it’s resolved now, it serves as a reminder of our responsibility to support one another when systems fail.
