Food Insecurity: Better Information Could Help Eligible College Students Access Federal Food Assistance Benefits

By MacGregor Obergfell

The Government Accountability Office recently published a report on food insecurity among undergraduate college students. The report focuses on students’ use of federal assistance programs and how institutions are addressing food insecurity on their campuses.

Among the findings:

• Although they are affected at different rates, all postsecondary sectors are affected by food insecurity.
  • According to the 2011-2015 Current Population Survey, 11% of households with a student enrolled in a four-year college or university experienced food insecurity.
  • 14% of households with a student enrolled in a technical or vocational institution experienced food insecurity.
  • 17% of households with a student enrolled in a community college experienced food insecurity.
• The 1980 Food Stamp Act Amendments prevented students enrolled at least half-time from receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits unless the student met one of nine exemption statuses, such as raising a child under the age of 6, receiving certain other federal benefits, or working in particular fields.
  • 3.3 million of low-income students are enrolled at least half-time and met one of the nine exemption statuses for receiving SNAP benefits.
    • Only 1.5 million of these low-income students applied for and received SNAP benefits.
• 39% of all undergraduates are low-income students and are at risk for food insecurity.
  • 29% of all undergraduates are both low-income and have one or more other risk factors for food insecurity such as single parent status, first generation student status, homelessness, disability status, or foster child status.
• Institutions are creating food pantries, providing emergency aid, and assisting students with the SNAP application process, to help combat food insecurity among students.