The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of Education announced an agreement aimed at addressing food insecurity among college students. Press release issued on Thursday.
A partnership between USDA's Food and Nutrition Service and the Department of Education's Office of Federal Student Aid seeks to increase awareness among college students about the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which helps low-income individuals and their families purchase food. It is being
“We are committed to making SNAP more accessible and easier to understand for low-income college students. Many of today's college students are balancing work and family responsibilities.” said Cindy Long, assistant secretary of food, nutrition and consumer affairs at the Department of Agriculture. The service is described in the press release.
“Access to SNAP allows eligible students to focus on their education, mental health, and overall well-being, rather than making difficult choices between groceries, textbooks, and other necessities.” added Long.
release Citing recent reports According to the General Accounting Office (GAO), nearly a quarter of college students (about 3.8 million people) experienced hunger in 2020.
The report also found that approximately 2.2 million students who face food insecurity report having very low food security, meaning they eat less food than they need or are unable to afford it. It was also revealed that many people have reported skipping meals due to the price.
The report found that fewer than two in five students facing food insecurity could potentially meet the criteria to receive SNAP benefits. Of those, 59% did not report receiving benefits, according to GAO.
