Closing the College Hunger Gap

Summary#

This bill adds a new requirement to the Higher Education Act. For each year a student files the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and has a negative or zero student aid index (SAI), the U.S. Secretary of Education must send that student written and electronic information about possible eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The communications must explain the SNAP application process and include contact information for the State agency that runs SNAP where the student lives. The Secretary must consult with the Secretary of Agriculture and any other applicable Federal or State agencies when designing these communications. The change takes effect 120 days after the bill becomes law.

What it means for you#

• If you file a FAFSA and your student aid index is zero or negative, you would receive written and electronic information about potential SNAP eligibility and how to apply.
• The message will include contact details for your State SNAP office.
• The information would be sent each year you submit a FAFSA and meet the SAI condition.
• The bill text does not describe new requirements for colleges or specify any changes to SNAP eligibility rules themselves.

Expenses#

No publicly available information about estimated costs, budget effects, or required appropriations is included in the bill text or supplied metadata.

Proponents' View#

No publicly available information in the bill text or supplied metadata about proponents’ stated views or arguments.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information in the bill text or supplied metadata about opponents’ stated views or arguments.