Congressman Al Green Supports Enhance Access to SNAP (EATS) Act of 2021 for College Students as Original Cosponsor

Statement

On Wednesday, March 17, 2021, Congressman Al Green released the following statement, indicating his support for the Enhance Access to SNAP (EATS) Act of 2021.

Congressman Al Green stated, "Food insecurity is a persistent societal problem that has been exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic. College students, who may have typically relied on their institution's dining options as their main source of sustenance, have had to grapple with missed meals increased by campus closures as schools across our nation continue to navigate this unprecedented crisis. The Enhance Access to SNAP (EATS) Act of 2021 will provide these college students with greatly needed access to nutrition without them having to meet the work qualification for SNAP."

"It is my belief that a full-time education is a full-time job, and that is why I am supporting the EATS Act as an original cosponsor. Eliminating food insecurity for many of our nation's low-income, first-generation college students will not only help them to survive; it will help them to successfully complete their education."

Since the pandemic reached the Greater Houston area, Congressman Green has consistently worked with local partners combatting food insecurity like the Houston Food Bank to provide resources to constituents of all ages. He has hosted more than 20 food distributions in collaboration with the Houston Food Bank since March 2020.

Dr. Katherine Byers, Government Relations Officer at the Houston Food Bank, added, "Food insecurity and hunger prevent college students from completing their education and actively engaging in the work force. The Enhance Access to SNAP (EATS) Act of 2021 addresses this problem by including attendance at institutions of higher education as part of the work definition. Students who will qualify under this Act cannot financially make ends meet, but are going hungry just because they are training for gainful employment. The EATS Act of 2021 acknowledges this and the fact that the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides a greater return on investment to families, local businesses, and government than any other hunger fighting initiative. Thank you to members of our Texas Congressional delegation Congressman Al Green, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, and Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia for signing on as original cosponsors and to Congressman Gomez (CA) for introducing this important legislation."

Source