College Students Facing Food Insecurity Amid SNAP Changes

The Hidden Crisis of College Student Hunger: Navigating SNAP Benefits and Campus Pantries

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Joseph Sais, a college student raised on welfare, found himself in a dire situation when his eligibility for SNAP benefits, commonly known as food stamps, was temporarily revoked. The stress of not knowing where his next meal would come from while trying to focus on his studies was overwhelming. Sais is not alone in his struggle; there is a largely hidden group of full-time college students facing serious food insecurity.

Radha Muthiah, president of the Capital Area Food Bank, estimates that at least 30% of college students are food insecure. The U.S. Department of Agriculture temporarily relaxed SNAP eligibility requirements for college students during the pandemic, allowing more students to access the program. However, with the public health emergency over, many students are at risk of losing their benefits as the program reverts to pre-pandemic rules.

The looming threat of thousands of college students losing access to SNAP benefits is a cause for concern. Hunger among college students is on the rise due to inflation, and the need for support is only increasing. Campus food pantries, funded by donations, have been a lifeline for many students. These pantries are now bracing for a surge in demand as students are gradually removed from the SNAP program.

Navigating the bureaucracy of SNAP benefits can be a challenge for students like Jessilyn Morales, who faced multiple rejections before finally qualifying for assistance. Morales, like many others, had to make difficult choices between paying for rent or buying food. The term “survival mode” is all too familiar for students like Sais and Morales, who are simply trying to make ends meet.

It is crucial for universities and policymakers to address the issue of college student hunger and provide support for those in need. Students cannot fully focus on their education if their basic needs are not met. As Sais aptly puts it, the goal should not be mere survival but thriving. It is time to ensure that all college students have access to the resources they need to succeed.