As part of an ongoing effort to support our students, Rutgers University is promoting food assistance programs. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federal program that can help individuals and families with low incomes buy the groceries they need. Eligibility depends on several factors like income, household size, resources, etc., see below for examples.
Students may be eligible that have either a zero ($0) expected family contribution (EFC) from the FAFSA or if you were approved for the federal work-study program during the academic year. Click here to determine your eligibility and view instructions on how you can apply for SNAP.
For more assistance with SNAP eligibility and the application, please contact the Community Food Bank of New Jersey here. For the most up-to-date information on where you can use your SNAP benefits off-campus, please visit the SNAP locator map.
Note: SNAP is only available to U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents.
Download the NJ SNAP Student Eligibility Verification Form
Eligibility
These guidelines will help you determine if you qualify for SNAP. If you’re unsure, we suggest you still apply.
- To qualify as a student, you must:
- Be between the ages of 18 and 49
- Identify as a full-time student (Get Instant Verification Here)
- NOT be using a meal plan to pay for the majority of your meals
Additionally, to qualify, you must identify with at least one of the following:
- Be enrolled in an approved Career and Technical Education Program at a New Jersey community college;
- Be employed at least 20 hours per week AND paid for such work;
- Be participating in a federal work study program during the school year;
- Be participating in an on-the-job training program;
- Be responsible for the care of a member of your household who is a dependent under the age of six years-old;
- Be a single parent enrolled full-time AND responsible for a dependent under the age 12 years-old;
- Be unable to work due to a physical or mental disability; or
- Be receiving Work First New Jersey (WFNJ) Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits (cash assistance).
Please read the following income limits for each household size. Your income cannot exceed the limits listed.
| Household Size | Gross Monthly Income (before taxes) |
| 1 | $2,148 |
| 2 | $2,904 |
| 3 | $3,660 |
What is the SNAP Gap?
The “SNAP Gap” refers to the experience of some individuals or households who face SNAP access challenges.
There are two forms of the SNAP Gap:
- Some people may not qualify for SNAP assistance but the cost of living of the area puts additional burdens on to families and individuals, increasing their levels of food insecurity
- The assistance given by SNAP usually runs thin by the end of the month, resulting in increased struggles paying for groceries.
SNAP gap resources are available to cover until the next cycle or provide nutritional food for those that do not qualify for SNAP.
