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. 37% of public college students in Massachusetts faced food insecurity in 2024, 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.
The Hunger Free Campus Bill has taken a significant step forward. As of July 2025, the bill received a favorable report out of the Joint Committee on Higher Education and will now be heard by the Ways and Means Committee. It is one step closer to becoming law and making the grant program permanent.
Additionally, the Hunger Free Campus initiative has been allocated $500,000 in the FY26 Budget, reinforcing the state’s commitment to addressing food insecurity on college campuses.