Student Food Security Act of 2021
Latest action (11 May 2021): Introduced
What this bill does
Here is a plain-English summary based on the provided text:
H.R. 3100, the Student Food Security Act of 2021, would change federal rules governing the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) as they apply to college students, and would create new efforts to identify and reduce food insecurity among students. The bill would expand SNAP eligibility rules for students at institutions of higher education—allowing certain students, including some dependent students meeting specific financial-aid criteria and independent students who qualify through their household, to receive benefits without meeting current student-specific work requirements. It also directs USDA to report to Congress on outreach strategies and update guidance to states on informing colleges and students about SNAP eligibility, and it establishes a 10-year demonstration program allowing up to 10 colleges to test letting students use SNAP benefits at on-campus dining facilities without required meal plans.
The bill primarily affects college students, particularly those with financial need, along with SNAP administering state agencies, colleges and universities, and several federal agencies (USDA, Education, HHS, HUD, Treasury). It also directs data-sharing among agencies to identify financial-aid applicants who may qualify for SNAP and other assistance programs, and requires the Department of Education to notify eligible students about those programs through 2023.
The bill was introduced May 11, 2021, by Rep. Jahana Hayes and referred to the House Committees on Education and Labor and Agriculture. It did not receive a vote and did not become law.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Student Food Security Act of 2021
This bill expands the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and establishes programs to address food insecurity among college students.
Specifically, the bill permanently modifies the eligibility requirements to allow additional college students to receive SNAP benefits, and it establishes a demonstration program to allow college students to use SNAP benefits on college campuses instead of meal plans. The bill also advances implementation of certain data-sharing agreements and notifications to help students who apply for federal financial aid to also apply for and receive other federal means-tested benefits (e.g., Section 8 tenant-based housing assistance, Medicaid, and Supplemental Security Income).
In addition, the bill (1) requires questions about food and housing insecurity to be incorporated into the National Postsecondary Student Aid Study, and (2) establishes a grant program to support research and address incidences of food and housing insecurity among college students.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 3100 do?
- Here is a plain-English summary based on the provided text: H.R. 3100, the Student Food Security Act of 2021, would change federal rules governing the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) as they apply to college students, and would create new efforts to identify and reduce food insecurity among students. The bill would expand SNAP eligibility rules for students at institutions of higher education—allowing certain students, including some dependent students meeting specific financial-aid criteria and independent students who qualify through their household, to receive benefits without meeting current student-specific work requirements. It also directs USDA to report to Congress on outreach strategies and update guidance to states on informing colleges and students about SNAP eligibility, and it establishes a 10-year demonstration program allowing up to 10 colleges to test letting students use SNAP benefits at on-campus dining facilities without required meal plans. The bill primarily affects college students, particularly those with financial need, along with SNAP administering state agencies, colleges and universities, and several federal agencies (USDA, Education, HHS, HUD, Treasury). It also directs data-sharing among agencies to identify financial-aid applicants who may qualify for SNAP and other assistance programs, and requires the Department of Education to notify eligible students about those programs through 2023. The bill was introduced May 11, 2021, by Rep. Jahana Hayes and referred to the House Committees on Education and Labor and Agriculture. It did not receive a vote and did not become law.
- Has H.R. 3100 become law?
- Not yet. As of 11 May 2021, H.R. 3100 is introduced.
- Who sponsored H.R. 3100?
- H.R. 3100 was sponsored by Rep. Jahana Hayes [D-CT5] (Democrat-CT), with 36 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 3100?
- Introduced (11 May 2021).
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