06/12/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 06/12/2025 15:07
WASHINGTON, DC [6/12/25] - Today Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) and Mark Takano (D-CA) introduced legislation to reduce hunger among college students.
The Opportunity to Address College Hunger Act will require institutions of higher education to inform students who receive federal work-study or who are eligible to receive the Pell Grant that they may qualify for SNAP benefits. Institutions would also give qualifying students official documentation of their eligibility, overcoming a common hurdle students face when applying for SNAP benefits.
"Students can't reach their full potential if they don't have enough to eat," said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. "I benefited from Food Stamps while I was working my way through college, and all eligible students should have that same opportunity. I introduced this legislation to help the many college students who have told me about the barriers they face when trying to put food on the table for themselves and their families."
"Students have enough to worry about, putting food on the table should not be one of them," said Representative Mark Takano. "This bill would make it easier for students to have access to basic needs by notifying them of their eligibility and helping them apply for SNAP benefits. In a time when government programs are being rolled back, I am proud to introduce this bill with Rep. Bonamici that would make a noticeable difference in the life of college students."
Bonamici and Takano first introduced the legislation in response to concerns they heard from community colleges and universities about students struggling with food and housing insecurity. According to 2023-2024 survey data from the Hope Center for Student Basic Needs, food insecurity affects about 43 percent of students at two-year institutions and about 37 percent of students at four-year institutions, up from 39 percent and 29 percent respectively three years prior.
The Opportunity to Address College Hunger Act is a part of the Roadmap to College Student Success, House Democrats' campaign to reform America's higher education system for students and families. The "roadmap" brings together a series of bold proposals focused on bringing down the cost of college, helping students access a quality degree, and-once students are in school-providing them with the support they need to graduate. Learn more about the Roadmap to College Student Success here.
The full text of the legislation can be found here.
The Government Accountability Office has recommended USDA Food and Nutrition Service improve its SNAP eligibility information for students and share best practices for notifying students of their potential eligibility.
The legislation is endorsed by Partners for a Hunger Free Oregon, Bread for the World, The Hope Center for Student Basic Needs, Food Research & Action Center (FRAC), Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP), Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, The Institute for College Access & Success (TICAS), MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger, the Institute for Higher Education Policy
The legislation is co-sponsored by Representatives Becca Balint (D-VT), Nanette Barragán (D-CA), Joyce Beatty (D-OH), André Carson (D-IN), Kathy Castor (D-FL), Joe Courtney (D-CT), Jasmine Crockett (D-TX), Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA), Debbie Dingell (D-MI), Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), John Garamendi (D-CA), Sara Jacobs (D-CA), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), Stephen Lynch (D-MA), James McGovern (D-MA), Gwen Moore (D-WI), Kevin Mullin (D-CA), Scott Peters (D-CA), Andrea Salinas (D-OR), Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA), Adam Smith (D-WA), Marilyn Strickland (D-WA), Shri Thanedar (D-MI), Bennie Thompson (D- MS), Jill Tokuda (D-HI), and Paul Tonko (D-NY).