BILL NUMBER: S8347
SPONSOR: JACKSON
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the social services law, in relation to providing infor-
mation on the supplemental nutrition assistance program to students at
institutions of higher education
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
To establish the "SNAP for Students Act," requiring the dissemination of
comprehensive information on SNAP eligibility and application processes
to students enrolled in institutions of higher education in New York
State.
 
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
Section 1 names the act as the "SNAP for Students Act."
Section 2 amends the social services law by adding a new section 95-b
Section 3 sets the effective date as the first of January following
enactment.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
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.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New bill.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
TBD
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the first of January next succeeding the
date on which it shall have become a law.