By The programs at Long Beach State dedicated to supporting students, including the Basic Needs Program and the ASI Beach Pantry, will likely face issues with how much food they can provide.
Once President Donald Trump’s recent tariffs are enforced, the prices of these goods will increase, raising issues for students who utilize the program.
Trump imposed high tariffs on all imports from Canada and Mexico starting on Feb. 3, but postponed them until March 4.
According to an article by NPR, in 2021, Mexico provided almost two-thirds of U.S. vegetable imports and about half of U.S. fruit.
These tariffs will negatively affect students and the campus community, especially regarding the cost of daily life.
The projected increase in costs from the tariffs could ultimately affect the program, according to ASI Beach Pantry Manager Christina Limos.
“I think it’s a domino effect, and as it hits the people we purchase from or if it hits our donors,” Limos said. “Then it’ll be a ripple effect, but I don’t think it’s affecting us right now.”
Limos said the program provides most of the food through donations from farmers’ markets, nonprofits and local churches.
Transfer student Zach Perez said he believes the tariffs will affect all programs supporting students.
“Any goods that come into our country, we’ll have to pay that higher difference,” Perez said. “So it’ll definitely affect assistance from the Beach Pantry and support for students on campus.”
According to an article by the Peterson Institute For International Economics, the average American household will pay over $1,200 a year for the incoming tariffs.
Fourth-year student Niya Franklin does not believe the tariffs will have the same financial effect as others have forecasted.
“It’s going to be kind of like a pandemic again with people going crazy, long lines and empty shelves,” Franklin said. “I feel like it’s going to be like that right before the prices are raised.”
My concern is that the upcoming tariff adjustments will pose a challenge for students, particularly by affecting our campus resources.
While some students will experience financial strain for the first time, those who are financially struggling right now will have to learn new ways to persevere under even worse conditions.
With the threat of increased prices and international tension rising with it, a toxic environment is taking shape not only on campus but around the world.
For now, programs like the Basic Needs Program and the Beach Pantry will continue to serve students.
“We’ll do what we can to feed our students,” Limos said.
