Congresswomen Nikema Williams, Hayes Fighting Food Insecurity for College Students

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05) continued her work to combat food insecurity by announcing the introduction of the Overcoming Higher Education Hunger Through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (OHH SNAP) Act. Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) is co-leading the introduction of the OHH SNAP Act. This legislation would allow independent students and students with an expected family contribution (EFC) of $0 to be eligible to participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. The OHH SNAP Act would also make it easier for students to access SNAP benefits by excluding financial aid used for living expenses from personal income and counting time spent attending an institution of higher education towards SNAP work requirements. 

An estimated 41% of U.S. college students reported experiencing food insecurity. In 2020, 2.2 million students were categorized as very food insecure, reporting multiple instances of having to skip meals or eat less than they should. Fewer than 2 out of 5 food-insecure students are eligible for SNAP benefits, and among those who are eligible, 59% reported not receiving any SNAP benefits.

Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05) said:  

“College should be a time of promise and opportunity, but for too many students, basic needs like food aren’t met. Learning is impossible when you’re going to bed hungry. The OHH SNAP Act is a commonsense way to ensure college students don’t miss a meal while completing their education, pursuing their dreams, and preparing to change the world.”

Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) said:

“All students should have the opportunity to succeed in school without facing the challenges of being hungry. My time in the classroom brought me face to face with the reality of students being food insecure,” said Congresswoman Jahana Hayes. “I am committed to ensuring that young people have access to food. That’s why I am pleased to co-lead the OHH SNAP Act, which will expand SNAP eligibility for college students.”

The OHH SNAP Act is endorsed by several organizations including: Atlanta Community Food Bank, Students Engaged, Communities in Schools

Kyle Waide, President & CEO of the Atlanta Community Food Bank said:

“College students represent a diverse population, including recent high school graduates, working professionals returning to school, military veterans, and parents continuing their education. Rising tuition costs, combined with household and living expenses, place significant financial strain on these students and can negatively impact their ability to graduate. In 2020, an estimated 41% of U.S. college students reported experiences of food insecurity , yet fewer than two in five of those students qualified for SNAP benefits.

At the Atlanta Community Food Bank, we see firsthand how food insecurity can create a critical barrier to degree attainment. Expanding and modernizing SNAP eligibility would allow more college students to access essential nutrition, reducing food insecurity, and improving academic outcomes. When students have reliable access to nutritious food, they can focus on their studies, complete their degrees, and build more stable futures.”

“As a high school student and student advocate, I see how many young people work incredibly hard to get into college, only to face the reality that basic needs like food are not guaranteed once they arrive,” said Ayaan Moledina, high school junior and Federal Policy Director for Students Engaged in Advancing Texas (SEAT). “The OHH SNAP Act is important because it recognizes that students cannot focus on learning, growing, and building their futures if they are worried about where their next meal will come from. I’ve spoken with college students who work long hours just to afford groceries while trying to stay on top of their classes. One student told me they sometimes skip meals near the end of the semester because their financial aid barely covers tuition and housing, let alone food. By expanding SNAP eligibility and ensuring financial aid meant for education isn’t counted against students, this bill helps remove a barrier that forces too many talented students to choose between staying in school and meeting their basic needs. Every student deserves the opportunity to succeed in higher education without facing hunger.”

Click here to read the text of the OHH SNAP Act. 
Click here to read the one-pager on the OHH SNAP Act.