As colleges navigate an era of uncertainty, many administrators are left wondering how to best support their students amid policy changes, inflation, and cuts to programs like Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). At the same time, persistent food insecurity continues to pose one of the greatest threats to student success.
Recent confusion around federal program funding has added to these fears. Fortunately, as of now, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) remains unaffected by spending freezes. This includes programs that help college students access these vital benefits. But this doesn’t mean it’s time to pause or scale back campus SNAP outreach efforts—on the contrary, this is the moment to double down.
At the Student Basic Needs Coalition, we understand the pressures administrators are under: balancing budgets, meeting student needs, and facing uncertain policy directions. That’s why we want to offer both clarity and actionable guidance to help colleges support students through these challenges.
The Reality: Students Are Struggling to Make Ends Meet
Food insecurity is not a new challenge, but inflation has made an already-dire situation worse. For many college students, the rising cost of groceries is now competing with tuition, rent, and other basic living expenses. According to recent estimates:
23% of college students experience food insecurity.
Millions of eligible students fall into what’s known as the Student SNAP Gap—they qualify for SNAP benefits but aren’t accessing them.
Without adequate access to food, students are at risk of falling behind academically, struggling with mental health, or even leaving school altogether.
What Colleges Can Do Today
To close the SNAP gap and ensure students can thrive, college administrators and staff must take proactive steps. Here are three ways institutions can act immediately:
1️⃣ Prioritize SNAP Outreach CampaignsMany students are unaware they qualify for SNAP or don’t know how to navigate the application process. Colleges can work with organizations like SBNC to build effective outreach campaigns and integrate SNAP resources into financial aid offices.
2️⃣ Empower Students Through Peer Navigator ProgramsPeer-to-peer programs can be a game-changer in addressing food insecurity. By training students to assist their peers with SNAP enrollment and share resources, colleges can foster a culture of support and advocacy on campus.
3️⃣ Provide Transparent Messaging and Support for StaffCampus staff are often the first point of contact for students facing financial difficulties. Equipping them with clear, actionable resources and training on immigration rights, benefit eligibility, and outreach tools can ensure students receive the help they need.
The Role of SBNC in Supporting Colleges
At SBNC, we work directly with colleges and universities to:
Implement proactive SNAP outreach programs.
Train peer navigators to connect students with resources.
Provide tailored tools like our AI-based benefit screener, which identifies eligible students and simplifies the application process for both students and staff.
With the challenges facing students today, there has never been a more important time for colleges to step up as a safety net.
Moving Forward Together
We understand the fear and uncertainty surrounding food insecurity and policy changes on campus. But together, we can ensure that students—particularly those from marginalized or economically disadvantaged backgrounds—get the support they need to not just survive but thrive in higher education.
Let’s work to make sure no student has to choose between their education and their next meal.
For colleges looking to take the next step in closing the SNAP gap, SBNC is here to help. Let’s have a conversation about how we can support your campus efforts.
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