A hidden crisis among college students has come to light as they face the threat of losing their food stamp benefits. Many full-time students, already grappling with food insecurity, are at risk of losing vital support as eligibility requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps, revert to pre-pandemic rules.
According to ABC News, the potential loss of benefits has put a spotlight on the challenges faced by students trying to make ends meet while pursuing their education.
Impact of COVID-19 on College Students
Joseph Sais, a graduate student at Sacramento State University, experienced the consequences of temporary SNAP eligibility loss during the COVID-19 pandemic. Raised on welfare, Sais heavily relied on food stamps to sustain himself through college.
However, due to missing an important letter, his eligibility was briefly revoked. Sais contemplated quitting school as he struggled to focus on exams while worrying about his next meal. Fortunately, his eligibility was later restored. Sais's story echoes the experiences of many college students facing food insecurity.
Radha Muthiah, president of the Capital Area Food Bank, highlights the largely unseen crisis of food insecurity among college students, per American City Business Journals.
It is estimated that at least 30% of college students experience food insecurity. To address this issue during the pandemic, the U.S. Department of Agriculture relaxed SNAP eligibility requirements, allowing more students to qualify for benefits. However, with the public health emergency winding down, the expanded eligibility will only last for one more year before returning to pre-pandemic rules.
As the relaxed SNAP rules expire, college students already receiving benefits have until June 30 to recertify and maintain their eligibility under the pandemic-era rules. MacGregor Obergfell, from the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities, warns that thousands of college students could lose access to the program in the coming months. This potential loss of benefits poses a serious challenge to students already struggling with food insecurity, The Telegraph reported.
Anecdotal evidence suggests that inflation is making hunger among college students worse. On-campus food pantries, funded mainly by donations, have been established at hundreds of universities in response to growing awareness of the issue.
However, their limited size and resources present challenges in meeting the rising demand. As SNAP benefits decline, these pantries are bracing themselves for an increase in student need, anticipating a surge in demand similar to what food banks are experiencing nationwide.
Navigating Bureaucratic Obstacles
Even with relaxed SNAP entry guidelines, students often face bureaucratic obstacles and frustration while navigating the system. Jessalyn Morales, a junior at Lehman College, shared her experience of months of rejected applications before finally qualifying for SNAP benefits. The complexities of the system can be overwhelming, deterring students from accessing the assistance they desperately need.
The stresses of food insecurity and survival mode have a profound impact on the subset of students seeking higher education to break the cycle of generational poverty. MacGregor Obergfell emphasizes the need to support these students, ensuring their basic needs are met and allowing them to fully engage in their studies. Merely surviving should not be the goal; students deserve the opportunity to thrive and succeed academically.
The potential loss of food stamp benefits threatens college students already grappling with food insecurity. The hidden crisis among this population requires urgent attention and support.
As universities and organizations prepare for an increase in demand at campus food pantries, it is crucial to ensure that college students receive the necessary assistance to pursue their education without the burden of hunger. Addressing food insecurity is essential for creating a conducive environment where students can thrive academically and break the cycle of poverty.
