As a practitioner working with students, you may have noticed an increasing concern about food insecurity among college students, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The research article, Addressing College Food Insecurity: An Assessment of Federal Legislation Before and During Coronavirus Disease-2019, sheds light on the current legislative efforts to tackle this pressing issue. Here are some actionable steps you can take to improve your skills and support your students better.
Understanding the Issue
Food insecurity among college students has been a growing concern, with about 1 in 3 students experiencing it even before the pandemic. The situation has worsened due to factors like unemployment and campus closures. Understanding the legislative landscape can help you advocate more effectively for your students.
Key Legislative Efforts
The research highlights 17 bills introduced in the 116th legislative session aimed at addressing college food insecurity. Here are some notable ones:
- America's College Promise Act (H.R. 3933): Establishes grants for community colleges and minority-serving institutions.
- BASIC Act (H.R. 4968): Coordinates assistance to enhance SNAP enrollment for eligible students.
- Campus Hunger Reduction Act (H.R. 1723): Makes colleges eligible for community food project assistance.
- College Student Hunger Act (H.R. 3809): Expands SNAP eligibility for college students.
Actionable Steps for Practitioners
Here are some ways you can implement the outcomes of this research to support your students:
- Advocate for Policy Change: Use the information from the research to advocate for the passing of these bills. Partner with local organizations and student groups to amplify your voice.
- Collaborate with Campus Services: Work closely with campus food pantries and other hunger relief initiatives. Ensure that students are aware of these resources.
- Educate and Inform: Conduct workshops or informational sessions to educate students about their eligibility for SNAP and other food assistance programs.
- Multidisciplinary Task Forces: Form or join task forces that include nutrition professionals, student affairs practitioners, and other stakeholders to create comprehensive plans to tackle food insecurity.
Encourage Further Research
The research also highlights the need for more data and studies on food insecurity among college students. Encourage your institution to participate in national surveys and support efforts to collect more representative data. This will help in crafting more effective policies and interventions.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Addressing College Food Insecurity: An Assessment of Federal Legislation Before and During Coronavirus Disease-2019.
