The growing hunger crisis among Generation Z requires urgent attention. A May 2024 report from Purdue University revealed alarming statistics: 36% of Gen Z households had to rely on savings or borrow money to buy food over the past year, and 29% experienced food insecurity in the last 30 days. This rate is significantly higher than that of other generations. Compounding the issue, a July 2024 Government Accountability Office (GAO) report found that around 4 million college students in the U.S. struggled with food insecurity in 2020.

As Gen Z is projected to become the dominant demographic by 2030, this problem is expected to escalate. To ensure that no individual, especially a college student, faces food insecurity, collective action is essential.

One immediate solution involves expanding access to nutritious food for college students. While long-term measures such as raising the minimum wage and canceling student debt are critical, ensuring that young adults have access to food right now is equally important. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which provides low-income households with benefits to purchase food, is a vital resource in this regard.

Unfortunately, many Gen Z college students face significant barriers to accessing SNAP benefits. As they reach adulthood and become eligible to apply for SNAP independently, they often encounter challenges that hinder their ability to benefit from the program. To reduce these barriers it is crucial to educate students about SNAP. Many students aren’t aware of SNAP’s existence or how to apply for it. Studies show that 59% of eligible college students don’t use this benefit simply due to a lack of awareness.

Colleges and universities can play a pivotal role by incorporating SNAP education into their financial aid processes and student orientations. Partnering with local hunger relief organizations and inviting them to participate in student activity fairs can also raise awareness about SNAP and other benefits.

Simplifying the application process is another critical step. The complexity of applying for SNAP often discourages students from completing the process. Training financial aid counselors to assist students with SNAP applications while they apply for financial aid can make a significant difference. Additionally, student health centers can screen for food security and refer students to community partners for further assistance with SNAP applications.

Encouraging students to advocate for themselves is also essential. Current federal work requirements for full-time college students create barriers to SNAP eligibility. By adjusting these work requirements, SNAP access could be expanded, significantly reducing hunger among college students. However, such changes require political action.

With approximately 41 million members of Gen Z, including 8 million first-time voters, eligible to vote this year, there is a tremendous opportunity for this generation to advocate for themselves and push for policies that make SNAP more accessible. Gen Z voters can influence political outcomes by ensuring SNAP funding remains intact, simplifying the application process, and increasing eligibility for college students.

Anyone, regardless of age, can contact elected officials on behalf of Gen Z to advocate for these changes. Elected officials have staff dedicated to listening to constituents, and calling or writing to them can make a difference. Organizations like Food Systems Collaborative and Food Recovery Network often issue calls to action when legislation affecting food insecurity is being reviewed. Signing petitions, such as those on change.org, can also have an impact by showing legislators the local support for addressing food insecurity.

Advocacy extends beyond online efforts. Attending events like the Gen Z Food & Hunger Summit amplifies the cause and provides opportunities to make tangible progress. Students can also take direct action by getting involved with initiatives like the Food Recovery Network, either by joining a chapter or founding one on their campus.

Collectively, these actions can make a difference. By engaging in advocacy and working together, it’s possible to begin addressing food insecurity for an entire generation.