College is financially burdensome to many. In addition to the services we provide on campus to make Puget Sound more accessible, staff from the Center for Student Support are eager to help students access all off-campus resources for which they are eligible.

The Supplemental Nutrition Access Program (SNAP) is a federally funded program designed to provide access to healthy food for citizens who can’t otherwise afford it.  SNAP assistance is often referred to as "food stamps," but rather than stamps, recipients receive a debit card they can use to purchase food at grocery stores and farmer’s markets.

SNAP logo

SNAP Eligibility for College Students

Most able-bodied students ages 18 through 49 who are enrolled in college at least half time are not eligible for SNAP benefits. For instance, students cannot participate in SNAP if they live in a dorm or receive more than half their meals from a meal plan. 

However, there are a number of exceptions.  For example, students may be able to receive SNAP benefits if they: 

  • Take part in a state or federally financed work study program; or
  • Work at another job at least 20 hours a week

You can complete a pre-screening and apply for SNAP and other programs at www.washingtonconnection.org.