Whether it’s a dining plan or regular grocery shopping, students have to think about the cost of their food. In an already expensive environment, while attending university, the last thing students should worry about is how much their next meal will cost.
This fall, Sen. Ron Wyden is supporting the Student Food Security Act, a federal bill that would increase eligibility for food security programs to more college students. This bill could allow the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program to relieve many students from the stress of being able to afford food while attending college.
Senator Wyden expressed understanding and concern for the high cost of food and housing for college students.
“I’ve been (to Oregon State University) a couple times in the last few weeks and what I’ve heard from students is they’re getting slammed by costs,” said Wyden.
Wyden and fellow senators in Washington DC are working to make a cost-effective and efficient program. It’s key for students to have decent food and safe housing to be able to tackle a good education at Oregon State University.
With school having recently started up again, it has been a good opportunity for Wyden to bring these topics to the public’s attention. Adding criteria through the FAFSA application would streamline food security for college students.
“SNAP is a very important tool in the anti-hungry toolbox, and hopefully we can put some other tools in there,” said Wyden.
Laura Montgomery, a fourth-year biology major and peer navigator at the Basic Needs Center said that students who have dining hall plans could benefit from increased eligibility. Students who have at least 51% of their meals covered by a dining plan are not eligible for the programs.
“It makes it pretty hard on freshmen who are on those dining plans,” said Montgomery.
Emily Faltesek is the food security manager and a licensed dietitian with OSU’s Basic Needs Center. Faltesek said that currently, students are facing challenges with the cost of food and rent being expensive.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, SNAP benefits were expanded for everyone in response to the public health crisis. These expansions lasted for a limited time, and after the expansions expired, it was harder for students to understand the changes back to the standard eligibility guidelines.
Adding eligibility through FAFSA would make it easier for students to get SNAP benefits.
“For students in a lot of states, it could be the first time they have eligibility for SNAP, which would be a great thing,” said Faltesek.
Faltesek added that the expansion of the Student Food Security Act could make “a great difference to a lot of students in a lot of states who don’t have favorable SNAP eligibility.”
Anyone who is looking for help navigating food and housing security can visit the Basic Needs Center. Walk-ins are welcome with no needed appointments.
