Barriers to CalFresh eligibility for college students: starving for resources may negatively impact academic performance

Graduation Date

2015

Document Type

Project

Program

Other

Program

Project (M.S.W.)--Humboldt State University, Social Work, 2015

Committee Chair Name

Jennifer Maguire

Committee Chair Affiliation

HSU Faculty or Staff

Keywords

Barriers to student success, Food stamp eligibility, College student food insecurity, Food insecurity and education, College student retention, Eligibility barriers, SNAP eligibility, CalFresh, Four-year graduation rate, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Humboldt State University -- Projects -- Social Work, Food insecurity and academic performance, College student hunger

Abstract

Emerging research demonstrates American college student food insecurity is a pressing issue, potentially affecting academic performance and health. However, college students do not qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) unless they meet specific exemptions, regardless of food security status. This study aims to identify policy barriers California students face in qualifying for SNAP (CalFresh). All of the policies responsible for excluding potentially food insecure students in this study are federal and therefore affect college students nationwide applying for these benefits. Unemployment or underemployment increases risk for food insecurity, but is a primary reason for disqualifying a college student from SNAP. Significant findings include: (1) the majority of respondents were ineligible for CalFresh. (2) 47.54 percent of all respondents identified work study eligibility as their only exemption. Counties' interpretations of this exemption can significantly affect the proportion of students approved for SNAP. (3) The 20-hour a week paid work requirement was the primary barrier to qualification. (4) 30.33 percent of respondents who did not qualify for CalFresh did not meet any of the most common exemptions: working 20 or more hours per week of paid employment, qualifying for a work study program, or having dependent children under the age of 12, with certain requirements; (5) 61.79 percent of respondents felt lack of food played a role in lowering academic performance. (6) 22.76 percent of respondents felt lack of food played a role in delaying graduation. (7) Students who did not qualify for CalFresh were more likely to report lack of food played a role in delaying graduation than those who did qualify.

https://scholarworks.calstate.edu/concern/theses/0c483m71g

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