Should More College Students be Eligible For Food Stamps? (H.R. 3875)

What is H.R. 3875?

(Updated February 26, 2022)

This bill would expand the eligibility of college students to participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). College students would now be eligible if they’re enrolled at least half-time, have an expected family contribution of zero, are eligible for the maximum Pell Grant award, or are determined to be “independent” based on criteria set forth in the Higher Education Act.

Under current law, college students must satisfy certain eligibility criteria to receive food stamps, such as being enrolled in a federal work study program.

Argument in favor

College students who are independent or won’t have any help from family should be eligible to receive food stamps so they don’t go hungry.

Argument opposed

There is already a lack of oversight in the food stamp program and the issue of fraud and misuse will only get worse by expanding eligibility for it.

Impact

College students who would be eligible for food stamps; and SNAP.

Cost of H.R. 3875

A CBO cost estimate is unavailable.

Additional Info

In-Depth: In a “dear colleague” letter asking other lawmakers to support his bill, sponsoring Rep. Al Lawson (D-FL) wrote:

“Education is a fundamental facet of the American dream, and food insecurity should not add burdens or barriers to our nation’s college students. Aside from few exceptions, college students enrolled half-time or more cannot receive SNAP unless disabled, over the age of 50, receive TANF or similar benefits, or employed at least 20 hours a week. The College Student Hunger Act of 2017 will allow our most vulnerable college students to be eligible for SNAP to receive the additional support they need and deserve.”

This legislation has the support of 22 cosponsors in the House, all of whom are Democrats.

Media:

• Sponsoring Rep. Al Lawson (D-FL) Press Release
  
• DearColleague
  
• Naples Herald