If enacted, the bill will not only expand eligibility for the SNAP program to include more students but will also promote a series of demonstration programs aimed at improving food security among students. This includes provisions for information sharing between federal agencies to ensure that eligible students are aware of and can access these nutritional assistance programs. Furthermore, the bill empowers institutions of higher education to better support their students by establishing grants dedicated to meeting the basic needs of students and conducting research on food insecurity.
Summary
House Bill 9521, known as the Student Food Security Act of 2024, seeks to amend the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to improve the eligibility criteria for college students to participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The bill aims to address the pressing issue of food insecurity among students by allowing greater access to nutritional assistance and establishing demonstration programs to assess and improve support for college students experiencing food and housing insecurity.
Contention
The introduction of HB 9521 brings to light ongoing discussions about food insecurity in higher education. Proponents argue that it is crucial to support college students facing food and housing insecurities, stating that a student should not have to choose between their education and being able to eat. However, concerns may arise about the financial implications of expanding SNAP eligibility and the effectiveness of proposed demonstration projects, which call for ongoing evaluations to measure success and sustainability.
To amend the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act to direct the Secretary of Labor to award grants to community colleges for high-quality workforce development programs.
To amend the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act to direct the Secretary of Labor to award grants to community colleges for high-quality workforce development programs.