After court orders forced the administration to use emergency reserves, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced partial November SNAP payments — roughly half of normal benefits — leaving college students and campus support services scrambling to fill the gap. Colleges across the country reported stepped‑up food pantry activity and emergency grants as students faced delayed or reduced benefits. Campus leaders and state attorneys general, including Massachusetts AG Andrea Joy Campbell, have criticised the federal decision as insufficient. Institutions that already provide basic‑needs support warn this shortfall could increase food insecurity, affect student retention, and force campus budgets to absorb unexpected costs. Higher education financial aid and student‑affairs offices are coordinating with local nonprofits and reallocating discretionary funds to prevent lapses in student access to food and housing while the federal shutdown persists.