Empowering Students: New Grant Program Aims to Fund College Food Pantries – What You Need to Know

RICHMOND — Before heading off to college, Anje Mixon relied on SNAP benefits and free or reduced-priced lunches at school.

Mixon is now studying accounting at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). She benefits from a Pell Grant and works as the manager of the Ram Pantry. This pantry lets students shop for free food, toiletries, and even baby formula, and Mixon sometimes uses it herself.

Many people think food insecurity simply means not having enough to eat. But for Mixon, it’s more complex. “Food insecurity can literally mean having the same meal every night,” she explained. “For us college students, eating Ramen noodles every day—that’s food insecurity.”

To address this issue, two state lawmakers introduced bills aimed at creating a grant program to better support food pantries. Sen. Danica Roem proposed the Hunger-Free Campus Food Pantry Grant Program (Senate Bill 1016), while Del. Rae Cousins sponsored a similar bill (House Bill 2240).

Both bills passed their respective chambers and include a plan for $500,000 in state funding to help these programs.

A recent study by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia revealed that food insecurity is a significant concern. Half of the surveyed schools reported it as “somewhat problematic,” while nearly a third found it “very problematic.”

Food pantries exist at 91% of Virginia colleges and universities, but most rely heavily on donations and minimal university support. The Ram Pantry, in particular, is funded through a mix of grants and community contributions, along with some assistance from VCU Business Services. Usage has been climbing since the pantry opened.

There are worries about the pantry’s sustainability due to federal funding uncertainties influenced by government policies. “If this funding pauses, we won’t just be losing support for students; many staff members may lose their jobs,” Mixon said.

Advocates say a state-managed grant program would provide a steadier source of funding. It would enable pantries to stock a wider variety of goods that meet students’ nutritional needs. Roem pointed out at a recent press conference that many students don’t have support from families and may even have kids of their own to care for.

John Jones, a VCU professor and Ram Pantry faculty adviser, emphasized that students need nutritious food to stay focused on their studies. He noted the importance of offering diverse options that take into account dietary restrictions, allergies, and cultural needs, especially for immigrants adjusting to a new food system.

The proposed grant program aims to ensure that universities can provide food that truly meets students’ needs.

The legislation has garnered bipartisan support from lawmakers and advocacy groups focused on fighting hunger in Virginia. Both bills require a report in 2026 on their impact regarding food insecurity.

Capital News Service is a program of Virginia Commonwealth University’s Robertson School of Media and Culture. Students in the program cover state government for various media outlets in Virginia.