SNAP, or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, is the most extensive federal nutrition program. With new exemptions in place due to the pandemic-related Federally Declared National Emergency, Kent State students may now qualify for food assistance.
Kent State University is committed to raising awareness about food programming, including SNAP benefits, and guiding students through the application process. Congress recently authorized new flexibilities with the SNAP program that grant access for many students previously denied.
This new expansion available under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, temporarily expands eligibility and focuses on students who are enrolled more than half-time (6 or more credit hours for undergraduate and 4 or more credit hours for graduate students per semester for spring, and summer) and either:
- Are eligible to participate in a state or federally financed work-study program during the regular school year as determined by the institution of higher education upon completion of FAFSA
- Have an expected family contribution (EFC) of $0 as determined through submission of the FAFSA
Those enrolled less than half-time may be SNAP-eligible if they meet all other SNAP eligibility requirements.
Students will receive an email confirming their eligibility from the One Stop for Student Services at Kent State University. Students with a $0 EFC may also provide a copy of their Student Aid Report from studentaid.gov as verification. If the e-mail utilized is no longer available, please contact One Stop, and they will provide you with confirmation to send to the agency when applying.
Students must apply with their entire SNAP household, consisting of individuals who live together in the same residence and purchase and prepare most meals together. For example, if a student lives with roommates but purchases and prepares their meals separately, they would be considered a household of one. A household includes children, spouses, and roommates. Congress also boosted the maximum SNAP benefits amount by 15% during the pandemic therefore, a one-person household can receive up to $234 per month to purchase food.
Currently, students who have campus meal plans that provide most of their meals are not eligible for SNAP.
To apply for benefits, go online to http://benefits.ohio.gov/ or call the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services at (614) 466-4815. Please have the following available during the application process:
- Social Security number
- Date of birth
- Household income (of all living in the household)
- Cost of your rent or mortgage, utilities, and property taxes
- Cost of daycare for a child or other dependent, if applicable
Any student experiencing food insecurity or other challenges with their basic needs is encouraged to reach out to the Office of the Dean of Students (www.kent.edu/studentaffairs/dean) and connect to available resources online at www.kent.edu/studentaffairs/dean/covid-19-emergency-resources.
For more information regarding SNAP, please visit https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program.