Closing the College Hunger Gap Act of 2021
Latest action (10 Sep 2021): Introduced
What this bill does
The Closing the College Hunger Gap Act of 2021 would direct federal agencies to take two main steps aimed at understanding and addressing food and housing insecurity among college students. First, it requires the Secretary of Education to add questions on food and housing insecurity to the National Postsecondary Student Aid Study, a federal survey used to gather data on how students pay for college. Second, it amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require the Department of Education to notify students who have a zero expected family contribution—an indicator of significant financial need—about their potential eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), including how to apply and contact information for their state's SNAP agency. The Secretary of Education would be required to consult with the Secretary of Agriculture and other relevant agencies in designing these notifications.
The bill primarily affects the Department of Education, which would take on new data-collection and outreach responsibilities, and financially needy college students, who would receive information about SNAP benefits they may qualify for. State agencies that administer SNAP would also be referenced as points of contact in the outreach materials.
The bill was introduced in the House on September 10, 2021, by Rep. Jahana Hayes and referred to the Committee on Education and Labor. It did not receive a vote and did not advance further before the end of the 117th Congress, meaning it did not become law.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Closing the College Hunger Gap Act of 2021
This bill requires the Department of Education (ED) to collect data on the food and housing insecurity of college students.
Specifically, ED must add questions that measure rates of food and housing insecurity to the National Postsecondary Student Aid Study. In addition, ED must collect data on student eligibility under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
ED must also provide students with contact information for the state agency that administers SNAP in their state.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 5222 do?
- The Closing the College Hunger Gap Act of 2021 would direct federal agencies to take two main steps aimed at understanding and addressing food and housing insecurity among college students. First, it requires the Secretary of Education to add questions on food and housing insecurity to the National Postsecondary Student Aid Study, a federal survey used to gather data on how students pay for college. Second, it amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require the Department of Education to notify students who have a zero expected family contribution—an indicator of significant financial need—about their potential eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), including how to apply and contact information for their state's SNAP agency. The Secretary of Education would be required to consult with the Secretary of Agriculture and other relevant agencies in designing these notifications. The bill primarily affects the Department of Education, which would take on new data-collection and outreach responsibilities, and financially needy college students, who would receive information about SNAP benefits they may qualify for. State agencies that administer SNAP would also be referenced as points of contact in the outreach materials. The bill was introduced in the House on September 10, 2021, by Rep. Jahana Hayes and referred to the Committee on Education and Labor. It did not receive a vote and did not advance further before the end of the 117th Congress, meaning it did not become law.
- Has H.R. 5222 become law?
- Not yet. As of 10 Sep 2021, H.R. 5222 is introduced.
- Who sponsored H.R. 5222?
- H.R. 5222 was sponsored by Rep. Jahana Hayes [D-CT5] (Democrat-CT), with 2 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 5222?
- Introduced (10 Sep 2021).
Related bills in Education
Expressing support for the designation of the week of September 13 through September 19, 2026, as “Community School Coordinators Appreciation Week”.
Data Science and Literacy Act of 2026
To direct the Secretary of Education to conduct a study on the efforts of States, local educational agencies, and public elementary and secondary schools to educate students about the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, and for other purposes.
Expressing support for the designation of September 2026 as National Campus Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
Bill100 mirrors the public U.S. legislative record from Congress.gov and GovTrack and adds plain-English AI summaries. It is an information tool, not legal, compliance or lobbying advice, and it is not affiliated with the U.S. Congress or any government agency. AI summaries can simplify or omit detail — every bill links to the official source; verify there before you rely on it.