End Pandemic Hunger for College Students Act of 2020

To modify the eligibility standards applicable to low-income college students under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 during COVID–19 public health emergency. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the End Pandemic Hunger for College Students Act of 2020 2. SNAP eligibility for low-income college students (a) In general Notwithstanding any other provision of law, not later than 20 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, eligibility for supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits shall not be limited under section 6(e) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2015(e) (1) enrolled at least half-time in an institution of higher education; and (2) participating in the supplemental nutrition assistance program. (b) State option (1) Authority to adjust additional eligibility standards In addition to the application of subsection (a) and if requested by a State agency or issued by nationwide guidance by the Secretary, the Secretary may adjust the eligibility standards under section 6(e) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2015(e) (2) Readily approvable adjustment requests The Secretary shall approve a request of a State agency to adjust the eligibility standards under section 6(e) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2015(e) (A) are members of households, as described in section 3(m)(2) of such Act ( 7 U.S.C. 2012(m)(2) (B) in the most recent academic year, had an expected family contribution of $0 as determined in accordance with part F of title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1087kk (c) Sunset (1) Initial applications The eligibility standards authorized under subsections (a) and (b) shall be in effect for initial applications for the supplemental nutrition assistance program until 90 days after the COVID–19 public health emergency is lifted. (2) Recertifications The eligibility standards authorized under subsections (a) and (b) shall be in effect until the first recertification of a household beginning no earlier than 90 days after the COVID–19 public health emergency is lifted. (d) Guidance (1) In general Not later than 10 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall issue guidance to State agencies on the temporary student eligibility requirements, and State options, established under this section. (2) Coordination with the Department of Education The Secretary of Education, in consultation with the Secretary of Agriculture and institutions of higher education, shall carry out activities to inform applicants for Federal student financial aid under the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1001 (e) Public availability Not later than 10 days after the date of the receipt or issuance of each document listed in paragraphs (1), (2), or (3) of this subsection, the Secretary shall make publicly available on the website of the Department of Agriculture the following documents: (1) Any request submitted by State agencies under subsection (b). (2) The Secretary’s approval or denial of each such request. (3) Any guidance issued by the Secretary to carry out this section. (f) Definitions In this section: (1) COVID– 19 The term COVID–19 Public Law 116–136 (2) COVID–19 public health emergency The term COVID–19 public health emergency Public Law 116–136 (3) Secretary The term Secretary (4) State agency The term State agency 7 U.S.C. 2012(s) (5) Supplemental nutrition assistance program The term supplemental nutrition assistance program 7 U.S.C. 2012(t)

Summary: End Pandemic Hunger for College Students Act of 2020 This bill expands the eligibility of certain low-income students at institutions of higher education to participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as the food stamp program) during the COVID-19 public health emergency. Eligibility for SNAP benefits shall not be limited for an individual who as of March 1, 2020, or anytime in the prior 30 days, was enrolled at least half-time in an institution of higher education and participating in SNAP. The Department of Agriculture (USDA) may temporarily adjust eligibility standards under SNAP through national guidance or by request of a state for individuals who are enrolled in an institution of higher education in any state affected by the outbreak of COVID-19. Additionally, USDA must approve a state's request to adjust the eligibility standards under SNAP for such individuals who (1) are members of certain households who are otherwise eligible to participate in SNAP, or (2) had an expected family contribution equal to zero in the most recent academic year. The temporary eligibility standards shall be in effect (1) for initial applications under SNAP until 90 days after the COVID-19 public health emergency is lifted, and (2) until the first recertification of a household beginning no earlier than 90 days after such public health emergency is lifted. USDA must provide guidance to states on the temporary student eligibility requirements and state options within 10 days of this bill's enactment.