Cans sit on a shelf, Friday, April 16, 2021, at HEB on East Hopkins Street. Jeffrey Halfen
Despite the recent temporary expansion of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) s eligibility requirements, students and Hays County nutrition experts believe the expansion is overdue and fear it will be short-lived.
SNAP s eligibility expansion came after the 2021Consolidated Appropriations Act was passed. The act seeks to assist college students impacted by COVID-19 by helping combat food insecurity.
SNAP s eligibility extension includes students who are eligible to participate in state or federally financed work-study during the regular academic year or who have an expected family contribution (EFC) of zero in the current academic year on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
A food bank is a tremendous resource for college students or anybody in need of help. Supplied by donations and incentive drives, local food banks work to provide food stability through the distribution of food packages.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, food banks have found themselves largely overwhelmed. The pandemic has also highlighted a big issue plaguing food banks:Â The lack of year-round donations.
Typically, food banks get supplies from donation drives. They are able to utilize those donations and distribute them for free throughout the community; however, these charity events occur mainly during the holidays, which can leave a food bank struggling to make the most out of its resources through the end of any given year.