The COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath have highlighted the critical need for comprehensive support systems on college campuses. With food insecurity affecting more than 47 million Americans, it’s clear more must be done to address hunger and provide essential food assistance.
A recent report by the United States Government Accountability Office (GAO) revealed a startling gap in support: despite their eligibility, many college students are being left out of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). In 2020 alone, 3.8 million college students — nearly 1 in 4 — reported experiencing food insecurity. Alarmingly, over 2.2 million of those students faced very low food security, meaning they frequently had to skip meals or eat less because they couldn’t afford food.
This issue disproportionately affects students from low-income backgrounds, students of color, first-generation students, LGBTQ+ students, and those attending historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) — many of whom also face housing insecurity.
To tackle these challenges, EdTrust, in partnership with The Institute for College Access & Success (TICAS) and State Higher Education Executive Officers Association (SHEEO), and featuring the GAO, is hosting a virtual event on Wednesday, October 16th at 2p.m. ET. They will discuss policy recommendations that directly address student hunger, share best practices for campuses to support students eligible for SNAP, and hear from students experiencing food insecurity firsthand.
Don’t miss this opportunity to explore solutions and learn how everyone can work together to ensure that no student goes hungry.
Learn more about the event and register here.