Students’ Access to SNAP Must be Improved with Increased Outreach Efforts from ED and USDA

WASHINGTON – Today, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a new report on how many college students experiencing hunger are still not accessing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. 

In the FAFSA Simplification Act, Congress directed the Department of Education (ED) to leverage FAFSA data to reduce college student food insecurity. As part of the implementation of this law, the Biden Administration set up an agreement that allows ED to share data with the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to improve students’ access to SNAP benefits.  Despite this progress, the GAO found that ED and USDA have not yet developed a plan for implementing this data-sharing.

The report also revealed that ED’s method for identifying potentially eligible students could miss up to 40 percent of those who qualify for SNAP.  Additionally, USDA can do more to  provide sufficient guidance to state SNAP agencies on how to use student data for outreach and enrollment, leaving states with questions about permissible data-sharing.

“This report highlights the critical role the Department of Education plays in connecting eligible students to SNAP benefits,” said Ranking Member Robert C. "Bobby" Scott (VA-03), House Committee on Education and the Workforce.  “Another impact of the Trump Administration’s attempts to dismantle the Department of Education and fire thousands of staff is that students will lack the support they need to succeed.  If these efforts continue, students will continue to experience hunger and the academic barriers that come with it.  It's crucial that ED and USDA collaborate effectively, so that all eligible students can access the resources they need to thrive. And I urge the Trump Administration to take immediate steps to improve access.”

“Students need to know where their next meal is coming from so they can focus and get the most out of their education.  This report highlights the continued need to support America’s students so they can go on to succeed in their chosen career,” said Ranking Member Angie Craig (MN-02), House Committee on Agriculture. 

The GAO made three key recommendations, including urging ED to develop a plan for sharing FAFSA data with SNAP administrators, evaluate its approach to notifying potentially eligible students, and inform colleges and state agencies about notifications.  The report also recommended that USDA issue clearer guidance on the use of student data for SNAP outreach and enrollment.

To read the full report titled, “Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: Gaps in Outreach and Implementation for College Students,” click here.

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