Rates of Food Insecurity Rise Due to Pandemic
A small provision included in the latest round of federal coronavirus relief aid could have a big impact on the wellbeing of college students across the country and right here at Clarkson.
The federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) was expanded as part of the sweeping relief package to allow college students to more easily access the program, temporarily removing work and eligibility requirements for students — a change that will be in place for the duration of the public health emergency due to the coronavirus.
The provision lifted certain exemptions to the federal criteria for students to be eligible for the program, making it possible for students with an expected family contribution (EFC) of $0 on their financial aid application, or those who are eligible for federal work-study (FWS) to enroll for SNAP under the temporarily expanded eligibility criteria, meaning about 3 million more students will be eligible for assistance, according to an estimate from The Century Foundation.
To view your EFC and FWS eligibility click on the Financial Aid tile in myCU. You can apply for SNAP benefits online or by contacting the local Department of Social Services Office in the county where you attend college. Click here for the St. Lawrence County Dept. of Social Services SNAP website and for more information.
Previously, if a student attended college at least half-time, in addition to meeting the SNAP income eligibility requirements, they also had to meet at least one additional eligibility requirement, such as participating in work-study, being a primary caregiver for a dependent child, or receiving a benefit under Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), among others. The expanded eligibility will remain in place until 30 days after the public health emergency ends.