UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — With the start of the summer season, Penn State Student Affairs will continue to offer a range of resources and services — including food pantries and support for accessing public assistance — to assist students at every campus who are experiencing food and housing insecurity. Students with questions about upcoming changes to eligibility criteria for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) can reach out to Student Care and Advocacy for guidance.

Nationally, college students are increasingly experiencing food and housing insecurity. Often an unseen challenge, food and housing insecurity can look different for everyone. For some, it can mean: 

• Skipping or stretching meals. 

• Having limited access to nutritious food. 

• Being uncertain about where your next meal will come from. 

• Being unable to pay rent, moving around frequently and living with others due to financial strain. 

• Becoming homeless, including due to a safety concern. 

SNAP benefits: Upcoming changes to eligibility criteria 

SNAP, a federal government program, aims to provide supplemental nutrition benefits and budgetary assistance to purchase food for those eligible for the program. On May 11, temporary expanded SNAP eligibility criteria for college students will end as the public health emergency related to the COVID-19 pandemic is lifted. The temporary criteria will remain in effect through June 30, 2023. 

Students may still qualify for SNAP if they have young children, have a disability, work 20 hours a week or more, are enrolled in community college, or are in school less than half time, among other exceptions.

Students can submit a new SNAP application on or before June 9 or a recertification application by June 30 to be considered for benefits under the temporary exemptions. 

Apply for or renew your SNAP benefits online or by phone: 

• Online by using COMPASS. 

• Call 1-866-550-4355 to apply via phone.  

• If you need help completing the application form or need more information about benefits, call your local county assistance office. 

Penn State is committed to helping students understand various University, state and federal assistance programs. 

• Penn State students who have questions about SNAP and other programs can also contact Student Care and Advocacy. 

• Though East Halls at University Park will be closed for the summer from May 7 to August 14, the University will continue to accept SNAP benefits at Market East, located in Findlay Commons (in East Halls) when it reopens for the fall semester. 

Where to start: 

If you have experienced a challenge with accessing basic needs resources, learn more about the resources that are available and how to reach out for support. 

1 — Student Affairs’ Basic Needs and Support website  

Whether you’re facing a one-time financial issue or dealing with a long-term challenge, students at every campus can access a range of resources, including support with public assistance programs.   

2 — Student Care and Advocacy’s Basic Needs Assistance Intake Process 

There are staff members at every campus who are available to assist you, and there is no judgment if you are experiencing hardship. If you need help — or if you are uncertain about your needs — reach out for support by completing the Basic Needs Assistance Request Form. After submitting the form, your information will be reviewed by the Student Care and Advocacy case management team and a case manager will follow up with you.  

3 — Food pantries 

It’s easy to access food and other items at campus food pantries. While you will need to show your Penn State student ID, staff and student volunteers are there to offer support and will respect your privacy. At University Park, the Lion’s Pantry’s summer schedule begins the week of May 15; please stay tuned to Lion’s Pantry social media and website for updated hours. 

4 — Sokolov-Miller Family Financial and Life Skills Center 

The Sokolov-Miller Family Financial and Life Skills Center offers no-cost financial literacy resources to help students develop skills to manage financial resources, including personal one-on-one meetings, a mentoring program, self-study modules, and webinars and workshops.  

5 — Counseling and Psychological Services 

Worrying about how to meet basic needs while juggling academic work, friends, family and more can take a toll on your mental wellness. If you need to talk to someone, the counseling office at your campus, including Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at University Park, has a variety of services available to support you. In an immediate mental health emergency, students at every campus can call the Penn State Crisis Line (1-877-229-6400) or Crisis Text line (text “LIONS” to 741741) for 24/7 support. 

Top FAQS:  

Q: Do I qualify for basic needs support services? 

If you are uncertain about your needs or unsure about the best office to contact, students at every campus can reach out for support by completing the Basic Needs Assistance Request Form. Staff can help you understand if you qualify for programs, will help connect you with the appropriate office or resource at your campus, and in some cases can help you complete the application process for programs.  

Q: What should I do if I’m dealing with an immediate or emergency housing situation? 

Whether you live on campus and need housing during a semester break, unexpectedly or temporarily no longer have a place to stay off campus, or are leaving an unsafe living situation, there are options available. For an emergency housing need, students are encouraged to reach out to PA 211 or the Center for Community Resources, both of which offer a 24/7 support and referral helpline. In an emergency, always call 911 or Penn State Police at your campus. Students at every campus can call or email Student Care and Advocacy (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) for additional information. 

Q: Can I get help anonymously? Will my instructors, parents or friends know? 

The University strives to make accessing resources as private and seamless as possible. While staff will always do their best to uphold your privacy and protect your personal information, accessing resources cannot always be anonymous. To best support you, staff manage complex needs through a coordinated team effort and communicate with more than one office or department on your behalf to connect you with the appropriate resources. While staff might share information with other Penn State offices on a “need to know” basis, staff members will not communicate with your instructors, parents or friends about your situation. 

Q: How can I help a student who I believe is struggling with food or housing insecurity? 

If you are concerned about a student who may be facing financial difficulties, there are resources available to help you recognize when a student may be distressed, respond and provide support, and to refer a student. 

Getting involved: 

Students who wish to get involved in Penn State’s effort to support students facing basic needs challenges are invited to contact Students United Against Poverty to learn more.