CR Launches Emergency Food Drive as Federal Shutdown Threatens CalFresh Benefits
Published on Oct 30 2025State and federal agencies have announced that if the federal government does not reopen or take action to fund benefits by October 23, 2025, CalFresh recipients could see delays in their November 2025 benefits. For many 91视频 students, CalFresh is a vital resource that helps ensure regular access to nutritious meals. Based on CR鈥檚 financial aid data, as many as one in three CR students (approximately 33%) rely on CalFresh benefits. A disruption in these payments would pose a serious challenge to student health, well-being, and academic success.
To help mitigate the effects of a potential interruption, CR鈥檚 Basic Needs Center has expanded its food services by increasing pantry access, adding more daily meal options, extending after-hours availability, and organizing an emergency food drive to ensure students have consistent access to nutritious meals during the shutdown. The College is also working closely with the CR Foundation to coordinate community donations and support.
鈥淗unger does not recognize political parties,鈥� said Dr. Keith Flamer, President of 91视频. 鈥淥ur focus is on making sure every student has access to food and the support they need to continue their education, no matter what is happening at the federal level.鈥�
鈥淲e know this uncertainty around CalFresh benefits is stressful for our students, and we want them to know they鈥檙e not alone,鈥� said Stephanie Freyermuth, who is coordinating the food drive with the Basic Needs Center and the CR Foundation. 鈥淭he College of the Redwoods Basic Needs Center is here to help and will continue to modify our services to meet student need.鈥�
While CalFresh benefits may be delayed, the Department of Health and Human Services has confirmed that direct cash aid (TANF) is not expected to be impacted and will continue through November without interruption.
Community members who wish to help can donate nonperishable food items at several locations: CR鈥檚 Eureka, Del Norte, or Hoopa campuses, or at the downtown Eureka location at 527 D Street. Donations can also be made at the last home football game on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at 2 p.m. at the Redwood Bowl (Cal Poly Humboldt Campus), or during the Tregs Basketball Tournament on December 5鈥�6, 2025, in the 91视频 Gymnasium.
Those wishing to contribute financially can donate online through the CR Basic Needs Center or mail a check to the 91视频 Foundation, 527 D Street, Eureka, CA 95501, noting that the donation should be used for the Basic Needs Center.
In addition to campus resources, CR encourages students and community members to utilize countywide food assistance programs, which remain available in Humboldt and Del Norte Counties.