The Hidden Policies That Make College Students Go Hungry
College students often work, pay rent, and take full course loads. Yet many are blocked from food assistance. Even as they hustle to get by, the structure of SNAP makes them ineligible. This article explains exactly how federal law and regulations affect students and why that matters.
What the Law Actually Says
SNAP is governed by the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008. Under this law and its regulations, individuals enrolled at least half-time in an institution of higher education are only eligible for benefits if they meet specific exemptions. Institutions of higher education include colleges, universities, and vocational or technical schools.
Exemptions that make a student eligible include working at least 20 hours per week, participating in a federally or state-funded work-study program, caring for a child, receiving TANF, or other rare categories. If a student does not meet one of these exemptions, they are legally disqualified from receiving SNAP, regardless of their income or financial stability. Temporary expansions during the COVID-19 public health emergency ended in July 2023, returning student eligibility to these standard rules.
How Big the Problem Is
According to a 2024 report by the U.S. Government Accountability Office, roughly 3.8 million college students experienced food insecurity in 2020, about 23 percent of all U.S. college students. The majority of these students reported skipping meals or not eating enough because they could not afford food. Studies over the past decade consistently show student food insecurity rates ranging from 19 percent to over 30 percent. Despite the need, about 59 percent of food-insecure students who were potentially eligible for SNAP did not report receiving benefits, highlighting systemic barriers, confusion, or misinformation.
Recent Policy Developments and Proposed Fixes
In 2025, legislators reintroduced the EATS Act, which aims to automatically qualify low-income college students for SNAP, removing burdensome work requirements. The Student Food Security Act of 2024 proposes expanding SNAP access, allowing students to use benefits on campus, and requiring colleges to proactively inform students about resources. These reforms, if passed, would treat students like independent adults in need and reduce barriers to food assistance.
Why This Matters
Due to the law’s structure, many students remain invisible to these programs, even when they need them most. The result is widespread hunger, academic instability, stress, and a major barrier to upward mobility, especially for first-generation, working-class, or self-supporting students. Public awareness can drive advocacy, influence policy reform, and empower students to seek the support they are entitled to.
What This Means for One Small Chance
One Small Chance seeks to change the narrative around student hunger. By publishing clear, factual analysis under “Stories and Policies,” the nonprofit aims to educate students, provide advocacy means, and support community-based solutions like food pantries and outreach programs.
Take Action & Advocate for College Students
You do not have to be a policymaker to help change the rules that leave students hungry. Here are simple ways to take action and support federal efforts like the EATS Act and the Student Food Security Act:
Contact Your Representatives
Reach out to your U.S. senators or House representative to share your perspective on student food access programs
Sign a Petition
Petitions are a simple way to raise awareness and show widespread support for improvements to student food assistance programs.
Submit a Public Comment
Some federal rules about SNAP are open for public comment. Anyone can share their perspective online at www.regulations.gov
Public feedback helps inform how programs are implemented.
Make a Call
Calling your representatives’ offices is another way to share your perspective on student food access and program improvements.
Share and Educate
Spread the word by sharing articles, talking with friends, and educating your campus community. Awareness is the first step toward meaningful change.
