Student Defense Calls on States to Use Text Outreach to Expand Access to SNAP Benefits
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OCTOBER 6, 2026
MEDIA CONTACT
Student Defense Calls on States to Use Text Outreach to Expand Access to SNAP Benefits
Washington, D.C. — Student Defense today released a brief urging all states to use text message outreach to help ensure all eligible students and families have access to critical SNAP benefits.
The brief says, “administrative burdens are a major cause of low SNAP enrollment among eligible individuals, especially SNAP-eligible college students.” Those burdens include paperwork and interview requirements, which are time-consuming and difficult to track. In the brief, Student Defense argues that text messages can provide “clear, timely, and actionable updates and information” that individuals can immediately act on.
Research shows that text messages can help with follow through on time-sensitive reminders. In health care settings, text reminders sent 24 to 72 hours before an appointment increased attendance by 50%. There is also evidence that texting can improve SNAP recertification. Hennepin County, Minnesota tested text message notifications as part of its SNAP recertification process, including information about on-demand interviews. The trial found that text reminders improved recertification rates between 5 and 15% and were more effective than auto-dialer and mailed reminders.
More specifically, the brief argues that text message outreach could greatly improve the number of college students who receive SNAP assistance. Food insecurity is one of the largest barriers to college completion, yet nationally, 67% of eligible college students do not receive SNAP assistance. As the brief notes, young adults are more difficult to track down to complete the necessary administrative requirements to receive assistance because they are “moving more frequently, managing class schedules and jobs, and less likely to focus on notices sent via mail.” Student Defense argues that closing this gap could increase benefits access and meaningfully improve graduation rates.
“College students should not go hungry or risk losing SNAP benefits because they missed an interview or forgot to submit a document in a complicated, bureaucratic process,” said Laura Bart, Student Defense Legal Fellow. “States have a responsibility to ensure eligible students and families can access food assistance. A simple text message can give SNAP recipients timely information to keep their benefits and put food on the table. States should make this basic outreach standard practice.”
Federal regulations already permit state SNAP agencies to use text messaging as an outreach tool. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Administration has also encouraged text messaging in SNAP Employment & Training programs, providing guidance and sample messages for states to use.
Student Defense is calling on state SNAP agencies to work with counties and local offices to implement text messaging as an outreach tool for on-demand SNAP interviews. By providing eligible households with timely, actionable information, states can reduce administrative burden and churn, while keeping more eligible individuals, including college students facing food insecurity, enrolled in benefits.
