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USDA Collaborates with Education Department to Tackle Food Insecurity in College Students


In 2020, a recent report found that approximately 2.2 million college students experienced ‘very low’ food security.

On Nov. 7, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) partnered with the Education Department to enhance college students’ access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), a federal program aimed at providing food assistance to low-income families.

A joint agreement was signed by the departments to raise awareness of SNAP among college students and ensure that eligible students can access SNAP benefits.

After a report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) revealed that about 67 percent of the 3.3 million potentially eligible college students did not receive SNAP benefits, this partnership was initiated.

The report noted that dependent students who did not live with their parents while in college were unable to access SNAP benefits.

Under Secretary of Education James Kvaal stated in a Nov. 7 statement that the agreement reflects the commitment of both departments to support low-income students in affording and completing college.

The departments will notify low-income students via email about their potential eligibility for SNAP benefits, along with details about the program’s rules and how to apply.

The departments will also collaborate with colleges to provide students clear guidance on SNAP’s requirements and application processes.

To be eligible for SNAP, college students must meet the program’s income limits and criteria, such as participating in a work-study program and working a minimum of 20 hours per week, or being a single parent.

Deputy Under Secretary of Food and Nutrition Service Cindy Long expressed in a statement that access to SNAP allows eligible students to focus on their education, mental health, and overall well-being without having to make tough choices between necessities like groceries and textbooks.
According to the GAO report released on June 24, around 23 percent of the 3.8 million college students in the U.S. experienced food insecurity in 2020.

Among them, 2.2 million students reported having “very low” food security, indicating they had to skip meals or eat less due to financial constraints multiple times.

On Nov. 1, the USDA announced a new rule prohibiting schools from adding junk fees, like processing fees, to meal accounts of students eligible for free and reduced-price school meals.

This rule, effective in the 2027-2028 school year, will apply to families with income below 185 percent of the federal poverty guidelines, equivalent to $57,720 for a family of four.

According to the law, students eligible for reduced-price meals cannot be charged more than $0.30 for breakfast and $0.40 for lunch.

The USDA highlighted that some families paid more than the allowed amount due to processing fees when depositing money into their student’s school meal account online.



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