New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A4074

Introduced
5/26/22  

Caption

Permits students at public institutions of higher education to donate unused meal plan funds to emergency meal fund for distribution to New Jersey food banks.

Impact

The implementation of AB A4074 is expected to enhance charitable efforts towards alleviating hunger in New Jersey by tapping into the potential surplus resources of college students. By allowing students to donate their unused meal funds, the bill not only promotes altruism but also brings financial assistance to the New Jersey Federation of Food Banks, which plays a pivotal role in alleviating food scarcity. This collaborative effort could foster a culture of giving and community responsibility among students, instilling values that extend beyond their academic lives.

Summary

Assembly Bill A4074 introduces a mechanism for students at public institutions of higher education in New Jersey to donate unused funds from their meal plans to support food banks within the state. This initiative aims to create the 'New Jersey Emergency Meal Fund' that will facilitate the distribution of food to various food banks, addressing food insecurity among residents. The bill mandates that each eligible institution must create procedures for verifying the amounts of unused funds and for processing these donations, thus formalizing a channel through which students can contribute to community welfare.

Contention

While the bill presents a noble cause, it may also face challenges concerning the logistics of monitoring and processing donations efficiently. Institutions will need to develop clear policies and procedures to ensure transparency and accountability in the donation process. Additionally, the adequacy of the amount collected and the logistical capabilities of food banks to manage these contributions could lead to some contention during discussions on the bill's implementation. Advocates for food security might raise points regarding the need for broader systemic changes in addressing food insecurity beyond just leveraging student meal plans.

Companion Bills

NJ S2470

Same As Permits students at public institutions of higher education to donate unused meal plan funds to emergency meal fund for distribution to New Jersey food banks.

Previously Filed As

NJ A2166

Permits students at public institutions of higher education to donate unused meal plan funds to emergency meal fund for distribution to New Jersey food banks.

NJ S2470

Permits students at public institutions of higher education to donate unused meal plan funds to emergency meal fund for distribution to New Jersey food banks.

NJ S2234

Permits students at public institutions of higher education to donate unused meal plan funds to emergency meal fund for distribution to New Jersey food banks.

NJ A282

Requires institution of higher education to provide refund or credit to students for unused on-campus student housing and meal plans due to COVID-19 public health emergency.

NJ SF2816

Higher education institution unused student meal plan balances refund requirement

NJ A376

Directs Secretary of Higher Education to establish performance-based funding plans for public institutions of higher education.

NJ A440

Directs Secretary of Higher Education to establish performance-based funding plans for public institutions of higher education.

NJ HB07257

An Act Concerning Food-insecure Students At Public Institutions Of Higher Education.

NJ HB103

Relating to health benefit plans for students at institutions of higher education and the operation of certain health benefit plans through student health centers at certain institutions of higher education.

NJ A2623

Establishes "New Jersey Farm to Public Institution of Higher Education Program."

Similar Bills

WI AB86

Permissible financial aid reductions in higher education. (FE)

WI SB95

Permissible financial aid reductions in higher education. (FE)

NJ A5181

Revises calculation of student financial need and provides circumstances for reduction of financial aid at institutions of higher education and proprietary institutions.

NJ S3566

Revises calculation of student financial need and provides circumstances for reduction of financial aid at institutions of higher education and proprietary institutions.

NJ A3422

Revises calculation of student financial need and provides circumstances for reduction of financial aid at institutions of higher education and proprietary institutions.

IL HB5292

SCHOLARSHIP DISPLACEMENT ACT

MI HB4643

Higher education: other; requirements regarding compensation of college athletes; modify. Amends title & secs. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 & 10 of 2020 PA 366 (MCL 390.1731 et seq.); adds secs. 7a, 8a, 12 & 13 & repeals secs. 9 & 11 of 2020 PA 366 (MCL 390.1739 & 390.1741).

NJ A4814

Removes expected family contribution from calculation of financial need under circumstances in which public institutions of higher education may reduce student's institutional financial aid.