Establishes the "SNAP for students act"

Showing the cosponsors who are on Agora, A to Z. The official record may list more.

• Democratic20

Shown in neutral colors by design; Agora is non-partisan.

◆ The sponsor's argument

Why Robert Jackson says this is needed

College students across New York face alarming rates of food insecurity, jeopardizing their academic success and well-being. Studies have shown that the prevalence of food insecurity on campuses ranges anywhere from 19% to 56% with minority students being disproportionately impacted. In New York, the situation is particularly pressing given the state's large public higher education systems and high cost of living. Currently, student eligibility for SNAP is underutilized due to wide- spread misinformation and confusion surrounding eligibility criteria. This bill addresses the knowledge gap by mandating clear, accessible, and updated informational resources. By requiring institutions to actively inform students about their potential eligibility and providing centralized, multilingual, and consistent materials, this legislation empowers students to acOe4Spiitical food support. Every year in-New York, there are food-insecure, SNAP eligible students, who are unaware of SNAP and the help it could provide. The SNAP for Students Act would ensure every student is notified of this vital support program, and is provided with the necessary information to learn more, and apply. This notification would occur in a manner that does not burden the State of New York, nor the institutions that these students are enrolled in. It is imperative that the hunger crisis plaguing students is addressed swiftly and effectively. Notifying students of SNAP is a great way to address this crisis, as SNAP has been proven to improve health outcomes, reduce poverty, and stimulate local economies. This proactive, preventative approach not only tackles hunger among students but promotes academic retention, mental health, and graduation rates.

This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.