USDA and Department of Education Partner to Enhance College Student Access to SNAP

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) and the U.S. Department of Education’s office of Federal Student Aid (FSA) have forged a collaborative agreement aimed at improving student access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This initiative targets the growing concern that millions of eligible college students are not receiving the benefits they are entitled to, as highlighted in a recent Government Accountability Office report which found that 67% of the 3.3 million potentially eligible students were not receiving SNAP benefits.

Cindy Long, Deputy Under Secretary of USDA Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services, emphasized the importance of this initiative by stating, “We’re committed to making SNAP more accessible and easier to understand for low-income college students.” The agreement is a pivotal component of the Biden-Harris Administration’s National Strategy on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health, demonstrating a concerted effort to alleviate the financial pressures faced by students who often juggle academic responsibilities with work and family demands.

To increase accessibility and awareness, FNS and FSA will collaborate on outreach efforts, including sending informative emails directly to low-income students who may qualify for SNAP. These communications will provide essential details about SNAP eligibility, rules, and application procedures. Additionally, the partnership will engage with higher education institutions to ensure they offer clear guidance on the application process, thereby minimizing barriers that have historically prevented eligible students from accessing these crucial benefits.

James Kvaal, U.S. Under Secretary of Education, underscored the critical nature of this effort by noting, “Almost one-quarter of college students experience food insecurity, and too many of these students who qualify for SNAP are not receiving benefits.” The joint agreement is a testament to the collaborative commitment of both the USDA and the Department of Education to support low-income students in their pursuit of higher education.

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A key component of the agreement is the launch of pilot data-sharing projects in up to 10 states. This initiative aims to facilitate cooperation between state SNAP agencies and colleges, leveraging Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) data to enhance outreach efforts. By connecting eligible students with SNAP resources, the program seeks to bridge the gap in student support services.

Eligibility for SNAP requires that students enrolled at least half-time in higher education institutions meet specific income and program conditions, such as participating in a work-study program, working a minimum of 20 hours per week, being a single parent, or having a disability. State agencies are responsible for processing applications and determining eligibility, and students are encouraged to contact their local SNAP office for information on applying.

This joint effort between FNS and FSA marks a strategic step in addressing food insecurity within the college student demographic, aiming not only to improve immediate access to nutritional resources but also to enhance the overall well-being and academic success of students across the nation. As institutions and agencies work in concert under this agreement, the overarching goal remains clear: ensuring that financial constraints do not impede students’ educational aspirations and achievements.

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