College students eligible for SNAP benefits, leaving the aid on the table, according to report [Video]

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – The USDA Food and Nutrition Services and the US Department of Education’s Office of Federal Student Aid announced plans to boost students access to the SNAP benefits, earlier this month. SNAP benefits are intended to help low-income families supplement their grocery bill.

As a college student, Olivia Whitmore said many of her peers are struggling.

“I know a lot of students that are also working while being a full-time college student and it’s really hard,” Whitmore said.

But some of Whitmore’s peers may not be aware they’re eligible for SNAP benefits. According to a recent government study, nearly 67% of students that are eligible for SNAP reported not getting them.

As a part of the federal agreement, the agencies plan to send emails to low income students.

“We have to do better about addressing the stigma behind some of the safety net programs such as snap,” …