Hunger-Free Campus Grant Program; established, report.
Impact
Under this bill, institutions may receive funding from the state to support initiatives designed to eliminate student hunger. For a college or university to be eligible for grants, they must adopt programs such as student meal donation systems or on-campus food pantries that require no proof of food insecurity. This requirement lowers barriers for accessing food resources and encourages a culture of sharing among the student body. The initiative is expected to transform dining services on campuses while building community partnerships aimed at tackling food scarcity issues.
Summary
House Bill 881 establishes the Hunger-Free Campus Grant Program aimed at addressing food insecurity among students at public institutions of higher education. The bill seeks to create a framework in which colleges and universities can implement measures to alleviate hunger on campus by providing on-campus food resources and increasing awareness about available food assistance programs. By mandating that participating institutions track their progress towards being designated as hunger-free campuses, the bill looks to foster a proactive approach to tackling student hunger.
Contention
One notable point of contention surrounding HB881 involves the mechanisms for verifying food insecurity among students. While the bill does not impose stringent requirements on the usage of food pantries, some stakeholders express concerns that schools may lack adequate resources to effectively manage these programs. Critics argue that reliance on voluntary initiatives may not sufficiently cover the scope of student needs. Furthermore, questions have arisen regarding the long-term sustainability of the program and whether state funding will be consistently allocated to support these efforts.
Relating to accountability of institutions of higher education, including educator preparation programs, and online institution resumes for public institutions of higher education.
Revises calculation of student financial need and provides circumstances for reduction of financial aid at institutions of higher education and proprietary institutions.
Revises calculation of student financial need and provides circumstances for reduction of financial aid at institutions of higher education and proprietary institutions.
Revises calculation of student financial need and provides circumstances for reduction of financial aid at institutions of higher education and proprietary institutions.