In 2012 the government made significant cuts in the food stamp program.
That same year, senior Sarah Parker’s* family barely had enough money to put food on the table. Senior Ricky Chiprez’s family went hungry. And junior Hadiyah William’s family went homeless.

Since the cuts began in 2008, the number of people depending on food stamps has exceedingly increased. Every year since then, Americans have suffered from any new cuts to the budget and fear for the next year, when even more, will be cut.

Although the 47 million Americans on food stamps are suffering because of the cuts, seeing this problem hit home is even more devastating. Students on campus are hurting because of the economic recession and there’s little they can do to fix it. But they do not lose hope. They maintain the zeal and perseverance that they need to get through their everyday lives.

Williams lives in a two-bedroom apartment with her mother and younger brother.

Her mother works as a special-ed nurse for the Stockton Unified School District and isn’t earning enough money to support their family.

They were supporting themselves with the help of food stamps, but when her mother got a $2 per hour raise, the aid was completely cut from their budget.
For an average family of four, the maximum amount of money received is $632.

Ten people, three bedrooms, two bathrooms, one house. As Parker describes her crowded home, she has a look of frustration on her face.

“We get annoyed very easily… and you get everyone’s opinion on something, even if you didn’t ask for it,” she said.

The conditions of the economy caused Parker’s aunt and cousins to be evicted from their apartment.

With nowhere else to go, her mom decided to take them in until they would be able to support themselves again. All 10 of them are living off of one single income.

For Chiprez, the struggle was a source of inspiration.

“My parents went to Mexico for two weeks (because our grandparents were really sick) and so they lost those two weeks of work,” he said.

Since the start of the recession, 8.8 million jobs have been lost. Among them, Chiprez’s mother’s. Their family was living on their father’s paycheck.

“He only got paid two times a month and by the time he got his second check, (they) had to pay for rent and the money wasn’t enough.”

Because of the hardship, his family had no other choice but to use food stamps. They received $400 in food stamps. That allowed them stability and a secure source of food. But when his mother got a job, the food stamp amount was cut in half.

What most people don’t understand is that when someone gets a raise and their food stamps are cut, it’s as if the person did not get a raise at all because the extra money goes to food.

And as the government kept cutting their own budget, the aid Chiprez’s family was receiving was completely eliminated.

With a look of distress, Chiprez explained how this situation made him see that an education is necessary.

“I actually have to work hard and get an education so that I don’t have to go through what they are going through. I know that if they’re doing it without (an education), then I can do it with (an education).”

This past November, 5.4 percent more was cut, meaning that there will be $1 million less in money flowing into the local retail economy. Williams’ family is feeling the intensity of this cut.

Before, they were able to go to the food bank and get two bags of food for the month, and now they’re limited to one. But she doesn’t let this downfall deter her dreams and aspirations.

“I want to be an OBGYN (ever since I saw a video of someone giving birth). (I want) to be there… when life starts, to help a child be born. It’s something I’m passionate about and I can’t explain the feeling.”
Parker’s career goals were also shaped by her hardships.

“Since they lived with us (for eight years), I was always around kids, so I want to be an elementary school teacher and make sure the kids understand their work. I want to be the teacher that worries about everyone.” She knows what it is like to grow up without much money, and that has motivated her to help others as well.

“I’ll help someone no matter how hard it is on me.”

When faced with adversity, all three of these students became experts in coping with their issues.

In 2014, when there are more cuts to be made, Williams, Parker, and Chiprez all face the new year, braced in suspense as to what they will have to face next.
Whatever it may be, they know that they will make it through.

“I know I’m not the only one,” Williams said. “There are others going through this, too.”

* Name has been changed.