In a joint effort to combat food insecurity among college students, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Department of Education (ED) have announced a new agreement to expand student access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The collaboration aims to raise awareness of SNAP benefits among low-income college students and reduce the barriers that often prevent them from receiving this essential support. The initiative responds to findings from a recent Government Accountability Office report, which showed that 67% of 3.3 million students eligible for SNAP are not receiving the benefits.
“We’re committed to making SNAP more accessible and easier to understand for low-income college students,” USDA Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services Deputy Under Secretary Cindy Long said in a press release. “Many of today’s college students are balancing jobs and family responsibilities. Access to SNAP ensures that eligible students can focus on their education, mental health, and overall well-being, rather than making difficult choices between groceries, textbooks, or other essentials.”
The agreement is part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s broader National Strategy on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health, which seeks to improve food security across the nation. Through this initiative, USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) and the Department of Education’s office of Federal Student Aid (FSA) will conduct targeted outreach, including emails to low-income students who may qualify for SNAP. These communications will provide key information on eligibility, application processes, and basic program guidelines.
Additionally, the agreement includes a pilot data-sharing project across up to 10 states. This initiative will allow state SNAP agencies and colleges to collaborate on outreach by leveraging Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) data to connect eligible students with SNAP resources. Through technical assistance and outreach, the pilot aims to simplify access for students by helping them understand and apply for benefits.
“Almost one-quarter of college students experience food insecurity, and too many of these students who qualify for SNAP are not receiving benefits. This joint agreement represents the commitment of the Department of Education and USDA to work together to ensure low-income students receive all the support they need to afford and complete college,” U.S. Under Secretary of Education James Kvaal said in the release.
To qualify for SNAP, students attending college at least half-time must meet income requirements and at least one other condition, such as participating in a work-study program, working at least 20 hours a week, or being a single parent. Interested students are encouraged to contact their local SNAP office to learn more about eligibility and application details.
