Food Assistance Programs Highlighted

RICHMOND - In an effort to alleviate widespread food insecurity among college students, Virginia's Community Colleges (VCCS) and the Virginia Department of Social Services are teaming up to spread the word that SNAP benefits (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) are available to help tens of thousands of college students statewide.

Almost 78,000 Virginia undergrads are eligible for SNAP benefits. Yet only about a fifth of undergrads who are eligible for SNAP benefits actually have signed up.

The governor's new Stay at Home order will reduce the already-diminished student foot traffic on community college campuses, but it's hoped that colleges will use social media and other local communication channels to let students know about benefits that can help them, especially during the difficult economic times caused by the COVID-19 outbreak.

Additional SNAP benefits also have been approved on an emergency basis due to the coronavirus pandemic. Read more here.

Anyone wanting to apply online for SNAP benefits can do so by clicking here.