When SNAP was gone, students stepped in. You can be the change too.

By Zaire Floyd

TALLAHASSEE, FLA.- In the midst of the government shutdown, Florida A&M University student Jordyn Ash organized a food drive to assist families relying on the SNAP program. 

In her efforts to give back to the Tallahassee community, Ash became an example of hope during times of uncertainty. On Oct 1, 2025, the longest government shutdown in U.S history began, lasting 43 consecutive days compared to the previous 35 according to Bipartisainpolicy.org. Among programs and individuals affected, SNAP or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program was cut at the start of November, shortly before the thanksgiving holiday.

When news of SNAP’s removal reached FAMU’s campus, Ash felt the urge to act. “I really felt inspired to be that lending hand essentially for the families who are not able to sustain themselves,” said Ash. “And it almost just felt like the most natural thing for me to do just to spring into action because I myself, my family at one point did benefit from SNAP.” 

 Ash, who is a graduating senior from Atlanta, Georgia and recipient of the 1890 USDA scholarship, used her background in plant and soil science to better understand the situation. She created digital flyers and posted them on social media to spread awareness of the shutdown’s effects while also offering ways to help. Food donation boxes were set up around her campus to make giving more accessible to students, and any donations were given to the Second Harvest of the Big Bend, a non-profit organization that helps to fight food insecurity in the state of Florida.

Along with giving back, she emphasized the importance of community. “Growing up, my grandfather, he always instilled, it's more of like an African proverb, Ubuntu. And it stands for I am because we are,” said Ash. “So you can always give back because your community is what propelled you to get to where you are.”

 Close to 3 million Floridians depend on SNAP benefits each year, this equates to about 12.7% of the State’s population according to USAFacts.org. The USDA warned if the government shutdown continued, funding for the program would run out and benefits would not be issued for the month of November.

On FAMU’s campus, several organizations and individuals hosted drives with the goal of supporting those around them and assisting nonprofits seeking to do the same. Since the shutdown’s end, the SNAP program has been restored but not without changes and reductions made, current recipients are still adjusting to the new adjustments.

Students like Ash show others they are not alone and that they can indeed make a difference. In a few final remarks she said, “I am because we are being more, that's the word I want to use, more community focused and community driven. Because if one wins, in a way we all win.”