📋 Tender Overview
EATS Act Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand reintroduced the , which would expand Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) eligibility to all college students attending 2- and 4-year universities who meet traditional SNAP income and eligibility requirements. Current SNAP eligibility rules only include college students working 20 hours per week or participating in a federal or state work study, or those who meet very specific exemptions. The would permanently ensure that low-income college students have equitable access to SNAP benefits by amending the to include attending an institution of higher education as another form of qualification in addition to work. With this change, an estimated 470,000 New York college students would qualify for SNAP assistance, including as many as 290,000 newly eligible students. said Senator Gillibrand. EATS Act According to The Hope Center for Student Basic Needs at Temple University, food insecurity is a serious problem on college campuses across the nation, especially for students of color, first generation students, low-income students, and students at community colleges. In 2023-2024, 41% of college students experienced food insecurity. Students of color were more likely to experience basic needs insecurity: 74% of Indigenous, 72% of Black, and 67% of Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian students experienced food insecurity, housing insecurity, and/or homelessness. Representatives Jimmy Gomez (D-CA), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), Jim Costa (D-CA), Josh Harder (D-CA), and Alma Adams (D-NC) lead companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives. said Rep. Gomez. EATS Act said Rep. Panetta. EATS Act said Rep. Costa. said Rep. Harder. said Rep. AdamsEATS Act EATS Actsaid Shimica Gaskins, President & CEO, GRACE/End Child Poverty California said Jessica Thompson, Senior Vice President at The Institute for College Access and Success (TICAS). said Crystal FitzSimons, President of the Food Research & Action Center (FRAC). EATS Act The full text of the bill can be found here. ###
