The government shutdown and federal policy shifts have strained campus supports for vulnerable students. College food pantries — such as the Basic Needs Resource Center at Sacramento State — reported surges in demand as SNAP and other assistance uncertainty left students scrambling. Student-veteran programs face cuts and policy changes that threaten benefits and career transitions for service members on campus, prompting campus leaders to warn that program contractions will hinder veteran student enrollment and success. Institutions are stepping in with emergency aid but say federal action is needed to stabilize supports.