(Excerpts from U.S. Department of Education News)

• As part of its ongoing efforts to ease the economic burden on millions of Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. Department of Education—in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)—issued guidanceto postsecondary institutions to inform them about temporarily expanded Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) eligibility for students in need.
• The guidance encourages institutions of higher education to coordinate with campus stakeholders to notify eligible students. Today's action follows Jan. 29 guidance reminding institutions that they have the authority to adjust financial aid packages to account for students' and families' current financial circumstances. These outreach efforts align with President Biden's  22 Executive Orderdirecting all federal agencies to address the economic crisis resulting from the pandemic.
• Under regular SNAP eligibilityrequirements, students enrolled at least half-time in an institution of higher education are typically ineligible for SNAP benefits unless they meet certain specific exemptions. The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 temporarily expands SNAP eligibility to include students who either:
• Are eligible to participate in state or federally financed work study during the regular academic year, as determined by the institution of higher education; or
• Have an expected family contribution (EFC) of 0 in the current academic year. This includes students who are eligible for a maximum Pell Grant.
• Beginning Jan. 16, 2021, students who meet one of the two criteria outlined above may receive SNAP benefits if they meet all other financial and non-financial SNAP eligibility criteria. The new, temporary exemptions will be in effect until 30 days after the COVID-19 public health emergency is lifted. More information can be found on the SNAP benefits for students webpage and Q&A on student eligibility.