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SNAP benefits available to eligible college students in St. Lawrence County

Posted 3/1/19

There is increasing evidence that college and trade school students are experiencing food insecurity, meaning they lacked access to enough food for an active, healthy lifestyle. A study conducted in …

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SNAP benefits available to eligible college students in St. Lawrence County

Posted

There is increasing evidence that college and trade school students are experiencing food insecurity, meaning they lacked access to enough food for an active, healthy lifestyle. A study conducted in 2016 at colleges across the United States found that 48 percent of those surveyed reported experiencing food insecurity in the past 30 days.

Hunger has a significant impact on learning and college retention. Everyone knows that an empty stomach makes it hard to study and concentrate. But hunger is also linked to lower graduation rates, as it may force students to make decisions that interfere with their schoolwork, such as sacrificing study time or dropping classes to work longer hours at their jobs to earn enough money for food. These decisions can make it harder for students to graduate in a reasonable timeframe.

If you or someone you know is struggling to have enough food, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) may be able to help. Many students think they are not eligible for SNAP, but they may be. Special considerations, such as working at least 20 hours a week, receiving a work-study, or being a parent or caregiver for a child are just a few of the circumstances that may help college students be eligible for SNAP.

SNAP helps many people in New York stretch their food budget. SNAP helps communities by bringing needed sales to local grocery stores, bodegas, and farmers markets. Every SNAP dollar spent adds $1.79 to the economy.

The Nutrition Outreach and Education Program (NEOP) can help you learn if you may be eligible for SNAP. NOEP can also help you complete and submit your application. All services are free and confidential.

For more information, contact your local NOEP coordinator at 315-764-9442 ext. 405.

Robert J. Smith

NOEP coordinator, St. Lawrence County