SNAP and the Federal Work Study Rule: Increasing College Student Success for Low-Income Students

Project Description

By: Heather E. King, MSW, and Jennifer J. Maguire, MSW, PhD.

Summary

College student food insecurity is a growing concern in the United States, as evidenced by emerging reports. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the most effective program to reduce food insecurity, yet college students are automatically disqualified unless they meet certain, often difficult to meet or verify, exemptions. This report outlines recommendations that would allow students to qualify for SNAP based on work study eligibility, which is reserved for low-income students. Recommendations also include how to streamline the process of qualifying for SNAP based on students’ Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) reports.