What do you think about college students applying for/using food stamps?

I’m considering applying for food stamps on the recommendation of a friend. I go to school full-time (18 credits) plus a student job (14 hours a week) plus an internship (6 hours a week). I make enough at my job to pay rent and utilities but I’m on the hook for groceries, school supplies, textbooks, gas, etc. My mom tries to help out but recently lost her job and well, I feel guilty taking money from her that I know she can’t really afford. I’m paying for my own school through loans.

But it also makes me feel guilty to use a program that I feel is for people in at least temporarily inescapably bad situations and I chose to go to college, young and able-bodied, no kids and so on.

What do you think? Is it ethical to ask for food stamps? Am I even eligible as a college student? Any other comments or ideas…