SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Graciela Guzmán is championing a new initiative that would alleviate college student hunger by expanding eligibility for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits in Illinois.

“It is hard to succeed in school when you’re hungry,” said Guzmán (D-Chicago). “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.”

Nearly two thirds of students in the U.S. who are eligible for SNAP are not receiving benefits, according to the U.S. Government Accountability Office. Many students are deterred from applying because they assume or are advised incorrectly that they are not eligible. Others who do apply are rejected in error because the rules for students are so complex.

Without this initiative, students are not eligible for SNAP unless they meet special conditions, such as working at least 20 hours a week at a paid job in addition to going to school. Senate Bill 1298 would streamline and expand eligibility for SNAP benefits, allowing all students at public colleges and universities in Illinois to benefit from the program provided 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,” said Kate Maehr, the Executive Director and CEO of the Greater Chicago Food Depository. “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. With Senator Guzmán’s proposed legislation, Illinois can better connect students to SNAP and become a leader in ending food insecurity on public college and university campuses."

“College students are expected to attend classes, complete their coursework, and work to afford food and housing—which is unfeasible with the skyrocketing prices of groceries and rent,” said Guzmán. “This measure will give students the freedom to focus on their education and not sacrifice time studying to afford to eat.”

Senate Bill 1298 passed the Senate Health & Human Services Committee Tuesday.