U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is leading a renewed push to expand food assistance access for college students through the Enhance Access to SNAP (EATS) Act of 2025—a bill that could make as many as 290,000 New York students newly eligible for SNAP benefits.
Announced July 30, the EATS Act aims to eliminate long-standing eligibility restrictions that require students to work 20 hours per week or meet narrow exemptions to qualify for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) support.
“No college student should have to scrounge for food or wonder where they’ll get their next meal,” Gillibrand said. “The EATS Act would eliminate work-for-food barriers and ensure that millions of low-income students across the country can learn and thrive.”
What the EATS Act would change
Currently, SNAP rules exclude most college students unless they work part-time, are enrolled in work-study, or meet specific hardship categories. The EATS Act would:
- Amend the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008
- Add college enrollment as a qualifying condition, just like work or job training
- Remove outdated SNAP participation restrictions for students
- Make up to 470,000 students in New York eligible for SNAP, including 290,000 newly eligible
Under the bill, any student enrolled at least half-time in a 2- or 4-year college or a recognized training program could qualify if they meet income guidelines.
The food insecurity crisis on campus
According to The Hope Center at Temple University:
- 41% of U.S. college students experienced food insecurity in 2023–2024
- 74% of Indigenous and 72% of Black students experienced basic needs insecurity
- Food insecurity is especially prevalent at community colleges and among:
- First-generation students
- Students of color
- Student parents
- Adult learners returning to school
“Too many students are quietly struggling with hunger while trying to earn their degrees,” said Rep. Jimmy Gomez (D-CA), a House sponsor of the bill. “No one should have to choose between studying and eating.”
Why supporters say it’s urgent
Lawmakers and education advocates supporting the EATS Act argue that food insecurity is a major barrier to student success. Many students work long hours, raise families, or care for loved ones—making current SNAP work requirements unmanageable.
“The 20-hour work requirement makes it nearly impossible for students balancing school, jobs, and caregiving to access the nutrition they need,” said Crystal FitzSimons of the Food Research & Action Center (FRAC). “This bill removes that burden.”
The legislation has garnered backing from advocacy groups like:
- GRACE/End Child Poverty California
- The Institute for College Access and Success (TICAS)
- FRAC (Food Research & Action Center)
Legislative outlook
Gillibrand introduced the EATS Act of 2025 in the U.S. Senate, while Representatives Gomez, Panetta, Costa, Harder, and Adams are sponsoring companion legislation in the House.
If passed, the EATS Act would take effect January 2, 2026, per the bill’s text.
“We know our students can’t learn if they’re hungry,” said Rep. Josh Harder. “This is a no-brainer if we care about their future.”
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