New Jersey Assembly Bill A2166

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/9/24
• Refer: 2/22/24

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.

Summary

Bill A2166, introduced by Assemblyman William F. Moen, Jr., seeks to address food insecurity among students at public institutions of higher education in New Jersey by allowing students to donate unused meal plan funds to a newly created entity known as the New Jersey Emergency Meal Fund. Each year, students often leave a portion of their meal plan funds unused. This legislation aims to facilitate a system where those funds can be collected and redirected to support food banks throughout the state, thereby benefiting individuals and families who face food scarcity. The bill mandates that public colleges and universities permit students to voluntarily donate remaining funds from their meal plans at the end of each semester. To enforce this, these institutions must develop reasonable policies and procedures to verify and facilitate these donations. The donated funds would be managed by the New Jersey Federation of Food Banks, which will be responsible for the distribution of food collected through this initiative. One significant aspect of the bill is its potential impact on state law regarding donations and food distribution policies. By formalizing the process through legislative action, A2166 aims to create a structured framework that simplifies students' contributions and directly connects students with local food banks needing support. This proposal not only emphasizes the importance of addressing food insecurity for students but also aims to build a sense of community and civic responsibility among the youth. Notably, the bill has garnered support from various stakeholders who view it as a positive measure to enhance student welfare. However, it may also raise questions related to administrative and logistical concerns, such as how universities will manage the mechanics of reassigning these funds and whether there could be any unintended bureaucratic delays in fund tracking or meal plan accounting. Nonetheless, the bill's proponents hope its passage paves the way for similar initiatives focused on collective efforts to combat food insecurity.