CWRU reminds students of support resources, Student Emergency Fund

As the federal government shutdown continues—delaying food benefits and straining budgets—Case Western Reserve University is reminding students that a range of support resources remain available. From the Student Emergency Fund and CWRU Community Pantry to the Basic Needs Hub, these programs are designed to help students facing financial challenges or disruptions to essential services.

Read on to learn more about these resources at CWRU.

Impacts to SNAP benefits

The federal government recently delayed full November SNAP benefits until additional funds can be added to the program. Partial SNAP payments may be on their way to recipients in the coming weeks following recent court rulings, but the situation continues to evolve, and many students, faculty and staff will be affected. 

Those who are not enrolled in SNAP may still be impacted as campus and community resources are increasingly stretched thin, especially community food banks and food pantries, on the eve of the holiday season.

If you or a loved one are currently receiving SNAP:

• October benefits are safe and distributed. If you have any money remaining on your EBT card, you can still spend it. 
• When the delay is over, the original amount of SNAP benefits should be issued retroactively. 
• During the delay, you must still complete any reporting or recertification requirements that are due.

Resources

If you are in need of support due to the SNAP delay or other challenges, there are resources on campus that can help.

CWRU Community Pantry 

The CWRU Community Pantry provides free resources such as perishable and non-perishable food items. The pantry is open Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. and is located in Carlton Commons (11892 Carlton Road). For more information, call 216.368.1633, email communitypantry@case.edu, or check out the CWRU Community Pantry website.

Swipe Out Hunger 

Students who are struggling with food security or consistently accessing nutritious foods may request up to three meal swipes per semester that can be used at Leutner Commons or Fribley Commons. A member of the Dean of Students Office will review your request. If additional swipes are needed, you must meet with a member of the Dean of Students Office for further case management and support. Swipes can only be used during the fall and spring academic semesters and when Fribley and Leutner Commons are open. 

Student Emergency Fund

The Student Emergency Fund is available to assist CWRU students who encounter unforeseen financial emergencies or events that would otherwise prevent them from continuing their education at CWRU. The fund can assist with rent, groceries, utilities and other essential household expenses. To learn more about eligibility and to apply, submit a Student Emergency Fund application.

Dean of Students Office Basic Needs Hub

The Dean of Students Office recognizes that meeting basic needs has become more difficult for many students, and is committed to providing assistance and support. Basic needs insecurities often do not happen in a silo. Many students who are struggling with food also have housing, financial and other basic needs concerns. Review the Basic Needs Hub and over 160 resources available to support you. If you have any questions, contact the Dean of Students Office at deanofstudents@case.edu or at 216.368.1527.

How you can help

If you are in a position to offer support, there are many ways to help. You can sign up to volunteer at the CWRU Community Pantry through CampusGroups to help keep the shelves stocked and ensure a smooth process for shoppers; buy a little extra the next time you go grocery shopping and donate it to the CWRU Community Pantry (take a look at most commonly needed items); and you can donate monetarily to the CWRU Community Pantry. 

Additionally, members of the CWRU community can donate to the Student Emergency Fund and donate to the Greater Cleveland Food Bank. As part of CWRU’s 2026 Charity Choice campaign—through which faculty and staff can direct payroll contributions to eligible 501(c)(3) organizations—the university community can now contribute to a broader range of causes, including the CWRU Community Pantry and the Student Emergency Fund.