Closing the College Hunger Gap Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Hayes, Jahana [D-CT-5]
- Committees
- Education and Workforce Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jan 28, 2025
Bottom line
The 'Closing the College Hunger Gap Act' aims to combat food insecurity among low-income college students by proactively informing them of their potential eligibility for SNAP benefits through the federal student aid application process.
What it actually does
This bill amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require the Secretary of Education to send information about potential eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to college students who submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and have a negative or zero Student Aid Index (SAI). The information must be provided in both written and electronic forms and include contact details for the relevant state SNAP agency. The Secretary of Education must also consult with the Secretary of Agriculture and other agencies to design this communication.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that this bill directly addresses the critical issue of food insecurity on college campuses by leveraging an existing federal process (FAFSA) to reach students most in need. They contend that many eligible students are unaware of SNAP benefits or how to apply, and this proactive outreach will reduce barriers to access, improve student well-being, and potentially enhance academic performance by alleviating hunger.
Opponents contend
Critics might argue that this bill expands the administrative responsibilities of the Department of Education beyond its core mission of financial aid for education, potentially adding an unfunded mandate or diverting resources. Some may also contend that students should be responsible for seeking out information on social welfare programs themselves, or that the bill does not address the underlying causes of college affordability and student hunger.
The bill is short and clearly written, making it accessible for a quick read and easy to understand its core purpose.
Section 2(a), amending 20 U.S.C. 1090
Mandating SNAP Eligibility Information for Low-Income FAFSA Filers
This provision requires the Department of Education to automatically send information about potential eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and its application process to college students. This outreach is specifically targeted at students who complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and are determined to have a Student Aid Index (SAI) of zero or less, indicating high financial need. The information must be provided in both electronic and written formats, and must include contact details for the state agency responsible for administering SNAP in the student's state of residence.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this provision is a direct and efficient way to combat college student hunger by proactively connecting vulnerable students with existing federal benefits. They emphasize that many students are unaware of their eligibility, and this targeted outreach removes a significant barrier to accessing crucial food assistance, thereby supporting student success and retention.
Critics contend
Some critics might contend that this provision expands the Department of Education's mission beyond its primary focus on educational financial aid, potentially diverting resources or attention from core functions. They might also argue that it adds an administrative burden without necessarily addressing the root causes of student financial hardship.
Tradeoffs
This provision balances the immediate need to address student food insecurity with the potential for increased administrative costs and an expanded scope for the Department of Education. It aims for efficiency by using existing FAFSA data but relies on interagency coordination for effective implementation.
Section 2(b)
Interagency Consultation for Information Design
This section mandates that the Secretary of Education must consult with the Secretary of Agriculture, and the head of any other applicable Federal or State agency, when designing the written and electronic communications about SNAP eligibility. This ensures that the information provided to students is accurate, clear, consistent with SNAP program rules, and effectively guides them through the application process, leveraging expertise from the agencies directly responsible for food assistance programs.