This bill is sponsored by Representatives Andres X. Vargas and Mindy Domb and Senator Joan Lovely
College hunger is a longstanding problem. While Massachusetts is a leader in providing access to federal nutrition benefits to college students many institutional challenges remain in addition to the stigma and bureaucracy facing all households. 44% of public college students in Massachusetts faced food security in 2023, but only 20% are enrolled in SNAP.
The Hunger Free-Campus Coalition and bill sponsors Rep. Andy Vargas and Rep. Mindy Domb have introduced An Act Establishing the Massachusetts Hunger-Free Campus Initiative, which would provide capacity, guidance, and funding to public colleges and not-for-profit institutions of higher education take steps to alleviate food insecurity on campus. The Department of Higher Education will establish the Hunger-Free Campus Initiative, which will be available to all public higher education institutions.
This bill would encourage colleges to become a Hunger-Free Campus by:
Designating a college staff person as a point of contact for support programs.
Establishing a hunger-free campus taskforce.
Notifying students that receive need-based financial aid of their potential eligibility for federal nutrition assistance such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
Assessing the need for on-campus food distribution, access to an off-site food pantry, or the establishment of an on-campus food pantry.
Establishing on-campus SNAP EBT vendors to allow students to actually use their benefits.