Harvard University recently sponsored a program to support graduate students enrolling in government food assistance programs. The Office of Health Services sent letters to graduating students, encouraging them to attend the April SNAP Enrollment Program. The letter read, "Strengthen and save your pantry. Did you know that graduate students can get help paying for food and groceries?" With such a large endowment, Harvard has the means to support many academic programs, research efforts, scholarships, and initiatives. The Harvard Graduate Student Union (HGSU) has expressed its opinion, supporting other practical measures to help graduate students, mainly by increasing their salaries. Under HGSU's plan, all graduate student employees should receive a minimum annual salary of $60,000, a significant increase from the current minimum salary of $40,000. The group believes that giving students enough money will reduce the need for outside aid programs like SNAP. The high cost of living in Boston adds to the struggles of Harvard students. Many people from different professions and backgrounds face such challenges. But the proximity of new innovations and opportunities in technology, entrepreneurship, and startups provide solutions for those looking to tap into the next big thing. Harvard graduate students have been on strike twice in recent years, in part because of their dissatisfaction with the university's low salaries.
About 30% of Harvard graduate students are international, so they are not eligible to apply for SNAP. This means that the solution presented by the university is not well supported by about one-third of the graduate students. In response to the concern, a Harvard spokesperson contacted Motherboard via email, explaining that the information session was intended to help students enroll in federal programs. The session aims to provide guidance on creating inexpensive and nutritious meals to support student well-being. Harvard's situation is not unique. Many university graduates across the country face such financial challenges. While Harvard's SNAP benefit enrollment program may bring some temporary relief, it also draws attention to the underlying problem of low graduate student wages. HGSU's call for a higher minimum wage echoes the growing financial hardship faced by graduate students across the country.
The Health Services office sent a flier to graduate students, encouraging them to participate in the SNAP Benefits Sign-Up event in April. The flier read, "Fuel your body & stock your pantry. Did you know that grad students may qualify for assistance paying for food & groceries?"
