College supports students during federal shutdown

College students expect to get assignments at school, but at Dougherty Family College at the university of St. Thomas, they also get grocery gift cards. 

When more than 42 million low-income Americans who rely on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits faced fears about being able to access their benefits amid the recent federal government shutdown, DFC Leadership took action to ensure that their students had access to food.

At Dougherty Family College, students demonstrate significant financial need; 95% are Black, Indigenous or people of color, 80% are Pell grant eligible; and 80% are first-generation college students.

“Food insecurity is still real in our communities, with or without a shutdown,” said DFC Dean Dr. Buffy Smith. “I am grateful to do my part as a member of DFC to make sure our scholars have their needs met.”        

DFC supports its students through its network of community partners, board members, trustees, St. Thomas alumni, staff, faculty and the founding Dougherty family.

“It was Sarah Dougherty who reached out to me to provide grocery cards for scholars who might need additional support,” Dr. Smith said.

Each year, DFC raises money to sustain its student emergency fund. The emergency fund supports students experiencing housing or food insecurity. It also provides support for students who need help with transportation or household expenses.

Dougherty Family College promotes what it calls an “Ohana” college experience for its student body. OHANA IS the Hawaiian concept that family extends beyond blood relatives to include a strong, inclusive community of support and love. 

Dean Smith said that making sure students and their families had food resources during a period of uncertainty was an example of Ohana in action.

“Our staff are caring and supportive adults who are committed to ensuring that our college remains student-centered. We maintain high academic standards and hold high expectations. We provide strong academic support to help our scholars reach their goals,” she said. 

Founded in 2017, DFC students earn an associate degree and are prepared to transition to a four-year college or university to earn their bachelor's degree. Sixty-three percent of 2024 DFC graduates continued their higher education journey at the University of St. Thomas.

For more information about Dougherty Family College, visit their website at

https://dfc.stthomas.edu/.