Massachusetts House Bill H4408

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 8/28/25
• Refer: 8/28/25

Caption

Establishing the hunger free campus initiative

Impact

The bill amends Chapter 15A of the General Laws to include guidelines for the management and distribution of grants aimed at addressing student hunger. Institutions eligible for these grants include municipally administered colleges and minority-serving institutions, ensuring inclusivity in the program. The bill’s fiscal mechanism permits funding from various state resources and establishes a Hunger-Free Campus Trust Fund, enabling sustained financial support for the initiative without reverting funds to the state treasury at the end of the fiscal year.

Summary

House Bill 4408 establishes a Hunger-Free Campus Initiative aimed at combating food insecurity among students at public institutions of higher education in Massachusetts. The bill proposes the creation of a grant program managed by the department of higher education to provide financial resources to eligible colleges and universities. This initiative is designed to support efforts in alleviating hunger and ensuring that students can complete their career and technical education successfully, subsequently contributing to a robust workforce in the commonwealth.

Overview

Ultimately, House Bill 4408 represents a significant legislative effort to tackle the issue of student food insecurity within higher education. By establishing a structured program to support affected students, the initiative seeks not only to improve educational outcomes for individuals but also to contribute positively to the workforce and economy of Massachusetts.

Contention

Notably, debate may arise regarding the allocation and oversight of the funds awarded to institutions. There may be concerns about whether the guidelines allow sufficient flexibility for campuses to address local needs effectively. Additionally, some advocates might question the adequacy of the program's funding in addressing the broader spectrum of student needs, going beyond food insecurity. The bill aims to address these issues by requiring the department to submit annual reports assessing the efficacy of the program and its impact on participating institutions.