The Student Basic Needs Coalition (SBNC) welcomes the joint announcement by 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) to strengthen awareness and access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for college students. This historic agreement marks a vital step toward ensuring that millions of college students who are eligible for SNAP are able to receive the food assistance they need to succeed academically and thrive holistically.
A recent Government Accountability Office report revealed that 67% of the 3.3 million college students potentially eligible for SNAP are not receiving these essential benefits—a disparity we at SBNC refer to as the "college SNAP gap." This gap is the driving force behind our SNAP Into Action initiative, which aims to close this divide by increasing awareness and access to SNAP benefits for eligible students nationwide. Too many students face impossible choices between essentials—groceries, textbooks, tuition, and housing—while trying to complete their education. Through this joint initiative, USDA and FSA are laying the groundwork for a more equitable approach to basic needs in higher education by proactively connecting students with resources they may not even know exist.
We are excited to see the federal government prioritizing this critical issue and making commitments that align so closely with SBNC’s mission to eliminate barriers to education by advocating for students’ basic needs. The collaboration between USDA and FSA to increase SNAP awareness, conduct direct outreach to low-income students, and leverage FAFSA data to identify eligible students enhances our own efforts in basic needs advocacy. Through these strategies, we can help ensure that students have access to food assistance without the obstacles of misinformation or lack of knowledge about eligibility.
The agreement’s emphasis on partnering with institutions of higher education is particularly critical. We know that institutions can play a transformative role in guiding students through SNAP eligibility requirements and application processes. Additionally, by piloting data-sharing initiatives in up to 10 states, this agreement paves the way for improved communication between state SNAP agencies and colleges, allowing for more accurate and effective outreach to eligible students. At SBNC, we’re excited about the opportunity to support these efforts on campuses across the nation, bringing a student-centered focus to SNAP outreach and addressing the root causes of food insecurity for college students.
To make the most of this opportunity, we are calling on students, campus leaders, and professionals in higher education to take an active role in this initiative and to partner with SBNC in these ways:
Host SNAP Awareness Events: Student organizations and campus departments can hold events to dispel myths, answer questions, promote campus and community food security resources, and walk students through the SNAP eligibility process. SBNC can help with planning and offers training and materials that can support campus campaigns to increase SNAP awareness and enrollment. Reach out to us to get involved.
Partner with SBNC to Implement SNAP Into Action: For students and institutions seeking to build a lasting impact, SBNC’s SNAP Into Action program offers a structured pathway to increase SNAP access. Contact us for more information on gaining access to the mRelief eligibility screener and launching SNAP Into Action at your school.
Encourage Your Campus to Get Involved in Data-Sharing Initiatives: Professionals in financial aid, student affairs, and institutional research can support the collection and analysis of data to identify gaps in SNAP outreach and application assistance. This is essential to make sure resources reach all eligible students, especially those who may not initially come forward. Institutions in states where the USDA and FSA are piloting data-sharing projects in particular have a unique opportunity to lead the way in creating streamlined SNAP outreach for students. Contact SBNC to learn how we can support your involvement in these efforts and help develop best practices for supporting basic needs in higher education.
We remain committed to the fight for equitable, affordable, and supportive higher education that meets students' basic needs. With this new federal partnership as a foundation, we will continue to expand our advocacy, strengthen partnerships, and provide resources to increase SNAP access for college students today and in the future.
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