Duke Students on Food Stamps

DURHAM, N.C.--Between 200 and 300 Duke University students receive food stamps, the Duke Chronicle reported April 7.

Jennifer Hillman, an assistant to chancellor Kenneth Pye, said the university is worried about a possible negative reaction from the community about the availability of food stamps to Duke students.

Beginning next fall, Duke will inform students that if they receive food stamps, the value of the food stamps will be deducted from their financial aid, Hillman said.

A source in the Durham County Food Stamp Office said she knew of one student receiving food stamps whose parents are Harvard professors. The office is not legally permitted to release the names of recipients.

A student may legally qualify for food stamps because of his low income and resources, yet drew from a checking or savings account in his parents' name, The Chronicle said.