[HWS-announcements] Update on Federal Shutdown Impacts and Student Support Resources

[HWS HWS]

Dear Campus Partners,

We are writing to share an important update about the ongoing federal
government shutdown and its potential impacts on our students’ access to
essential benefits. While this situation remains outside of the
University’s control, our shared goal is to ensure that every UCR student
continues to have access to food, resources, and support during this time.
Update on Federal Shutdown Impacts

The UCR CalFresh Outreach Team has been notified by Riverside County that,
due to the federal shutdown, CalFresh benefits will be delayed beginning
November 1, 2025. Students who already received benefits for October will
continue to have access to any remaining funds on their EBT cards.

Students are still encouraged to apply for CalFresh during this time.

The CalFresh Outreach Team, will continue to assist students with
applications, renewals, and troubleshooting. CalFresh walk-in hours,
appointments and events will continue. To learn more visit:
https://basicneeds.ucr.edu/calfresh
Expanded Basic Needs Resources

To address the temporary gap in CalFresh benefits, the Basic Needs
Department is increasing support and expanding access to food programs
across campus:

   -

   R’Pantry: Extended operating hours and emergency food bags for students
   in urgent need.
   View hours: https://basicneeds.ucr.edu/rpantry

   -

   Meal Support Program: Increased number of meals distributed
   Learn more: https://basicneeds.ucr.edu/meal-support

   -

   CalFresh Emergency Assistance: A new one-time $100 grocery gift card for
   students whose benefits have been directly impacted. Details available soon
   at: https://basicneeds.ucr.edu/calfresh.

   -

   Daily Snacks: Available throughout the day at the Basic Needs Center
   during non-meal support distribution (Costo Hall 110).


Off-Campus Food Resources

Students can also access community food resources through:

   -

   Basic Needs Resource Guide:
   <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1aepcWhMlm-J-81gHVQsonpwi8O01KjIAk0L__E2KVLo/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.1rmjt57jcrfl>to
   find local food banks and more

   -

   findhelp.org : to find local food banks and assistance programs in your
   zipcode

   -

   Dial 211 for free, confidential local resource assistance


Anticipated Impact on Basic Needs Services

We are experiencing a 25% increase in service use this year compared to
this same time last year, which itself was 60% higher than the prior year.
With the expected rise in food insecurity due to delayed CalFresh benefits,
we anticipate that our programs — including R’Pantry, Meal Support, and
CalFresh Outreach — will experience significantly higher demand in the
coming weeks.

We ask for your patience and partnership as our team works diligently to
meet student needs during this surge in demand. Every member of the Basic
Needs team is committed to maintaining responsive, compassionate support,
even as our volume increases.
Supporting Student Well-Being

We recognize that disruptions to food security can directly impact
students’ mental and emotional health. Please help us share that UCR
Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) remains available to provide
mental health support, both in-person and virtually.

   -

   Visit *CAPS <http://goog_1452927141>* for counseling services, group
   therapy, and 24/7 crisis support.

*If you or your department would like to support our students during this
challenging time, you can help by:*

   1.

   Donating non-perishable food items to the R’Pantry (HUB 346)
   2.

   Contributing directly to the Basic Needs Department through a donation

For more information visit: basicneeds.ucr.edu/donate

We deeply appreciate your continued collaboration and care for our
students’ well-being. During times of uncertainty, our collective efforts
make a profound difference. Together, we can ensure that every student
knows they are supported, seen, and cared for. A similar message went out
to all students yesterday through financial aid.
With gratitude,

*Judy Juarez Crawford, M.S.* *(she/hers)*

*Director, Student Basic Needs*

Email: *judy.crawford at ucr.edu <judy.crawford at ucr.edu>*

Website: basicneed.ucr.edu <https://basicneeds.ucr.edu/>  Instagram:
*@UCRBasicNeeds
<https://www.instagram.com/ucrbasicneeds/>*
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