SNAP TO THE RESCUE AT COLLEGE

Student hunger is a growing concern among college administrators, advocates, and legislators. Colleges are grappling with how to combat this problem; many have started innovative programs, such as free farmers markets and food pantries, and some are helping students apply for SNAP. The current demographics of the college population suggest many may be at risk for hunger. Among all college students, (1) 51% are financially independent from their parents, (2) 26% are parents themselves, (3) 62% are employed at least part-time, and (4) 48% reported experiencing food insecurity in the previous 30 days. SNAP is generally not available to students who attend college more than half time, although federal law allows for specific exceptions.  Last month Representative Al Lawson (D-FL) introduced H.R. 3875, the College Student Hunger Act of 2017. It would allow college students who are enrolled at least half-time to get SNAP if (1) they qualify for the maximum Pell Grant amount because they have a zero Expected Family Contribution or (2) are defined as independent for financial aid purposes in any one of the following areas: in foster care, a veteran of the Armed Forces, or are classified as an unaccompanied youth who is homeless.

Source: Center for Law & Social Policy, 10/27/17, Hunger on Campus

CAMPUS FOOD PANTRIES EASE HUNGER

A significant number of college students today truly struggle with getting enough food to survive. A spring 2016 survey of 3,765 colleges in 12 states found that 48% of students reported food insecurity, with 22% reporting having “very low” levels of food security. It also found that food insecurity happens in both community colleges and four-year colleges and universities, with 25% of community college students and 20% of four-year college and university students qualifying as having very low food security. Today, over 500 colleges are either starting a food pantry or have had one for several years. And a national organization, the College and University Food Bank Alliance (CUFBA), has been established to provide information and resources to their growing numbers, including partnering with local hunger relief organizations.

Source: USA Today College, 6/28/17, College Food Pantries

STUDENTS HAVE JOBS & SCHOLARSHIPS, BUT THEY’RE STILL HUNGRY

More than half of the students who reported experiencing hunger during their college years also held paying jobs, received financial aid, and many were enrolled in a meal plan, according to a new national survey. The survey canvassed students at eight community colleges and 26 four-year colleges in 12 states. About 3,800 students responded to the survey. Of those respondents, 26% reported “low food security,” meaning they faced challenges in obtaining quality food. Another 22% had “very low food security,” indicating that they were probably going hungry. Of the food-insecure students, 32% said hunger and housing issues had affected their education. Many did not buy a required textbook, or missed a class, or dropped a class. In addition, (1) 56% of food-insecure students said they have a paying job and (2) 75% said they received financial aid such as grants or loans.

Source: Washington Post, 10/5/16, Hungry Students

How colleges can help low-income students

Education institutions must “engage the village” — including social workers and nutrition assistance programs — to help fight poverty and financial stresses faced by today’s college students, writes Sara Goldrick-Rab, professor of higher-education policy and sociology at Temple University and founder of the Wisconsin HOPE Lab, in this op-ed. Research on 3,000 Pell Grant recipients at Wisconsin’s 42 public college and universities found that “a significant fraction of students are going without sufficient food or housing,” and rather than families supporting their children financially while in college, the reverse is happening for low-income students.

What Colleges Can Do Right Now to Help Low-Income Students Succeed – Chronicle of Higher Education, August 28, 2016