IL Senator increasing SNAP benefits for college students
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — One State Senator is pushing an initiative to reduce hunger for college students in Illinois.
Senator Graciela Guzmán is expanding the eligibility for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits in Illinois. According to the U.S. Government Accountability Office, almost two thirds of students that are eligible for SNAP are not receiving benefits.
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Many students are steered away from applying because they assume, or are advised incorrectly, that they are not eligible. On the other hand, others that do apply are rejected in error because the rules for students are complex.
'It is hard to succeed in school when you're hungry,' Guzman said. 'Helping students, especially low-income scholars, who are disproportionately affected by food insecurity, succeed academically and economically is not only smart, but also the right thing to do for the next generation.'
Students are not eligible for SNAP unless they meet certain conditions without this initiative, including working at least 20 hours a week at a paid job in addition to going to school. Senate Bill 1298 would expand and streamline eligibility for SNAP benefits, allowing all students at public universities in Illinois to benefit from the program if they meet income and other eligibility requirements.
'With nearly one in four undergraduate students (approximately 3.8 million) experiencing food insecurity in the United States, student hunger is a growing crisis,' Kate Maehr, executive director and CEO of the Greater Chicago Food Depository, said. 'It is essential that we modernize and expand the eligibility criteria for SNAP, as the nation's largest nutrition assistance program, to meet the needs of today's college students as they pursue their academic and career dreams.'
Senate Bill 1298 passed the Senate Health & Services Committee on Tuesday.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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