House Committee Approves Groundbreaking Bill to Combat Campus Food Insecurity: What It Means for Students

On Wednesday, the Alabama House of Representatives committee moved forward with a significant bill aimed at tackling food insecurity on college campuses. Known as House Bill 273, this initiative allows colleges working to fight hunger to apply for additional grants that will support food access programs.

Sponsored by state Rep. Terri Collins, the bill requires the Alabama Commission on Higher Education to create a process for designating certain public colleges as “hunger-free campuses.” This designation comes with various requirements and opportunities for support.

The House Ways and Means Education Committee unanimously approved the bill, reflecting a growing awareness of the issue. Rep. Cynthia Lee Almond spoke on behalf of Collins, saying that the bill not only highlights the hunger problem but also offers real benefits to students. “This is about creating solutions for students facing food insecurity,” Almond explained.

To achieve the hunger-free campus status, institutions need to form a task force that includes students and representatives from student affairs and financial offices. This group will meet at least three times a year. They’ll also need to organize events to raise awareness about food insecurity and establish programs like food pantries or ways for students to donate meals.

The task force plays a vital role. They must set annual goals, carry out a survey every two years about student needs, and create programs that either donate meal credits or provide food vouchers.

Interestingly, the bill has received support beyond Alabama. Versions of similar legislation have been enacted in ten states, with eleven others introducing their own measures to address student hunger. This indicates a national trend toward recognizing and addressing the critical issue of food security in higher education.

Dr. Jim Purcell, Executive Director of the Alabama Commission on Higher Education, mentioned that even though their initial funding request was denied, there are alternative ways to gather resources. “We will keep working with different funding sources,” he noted, emphasizing the importance of establishing food banks on campuses to support students.

Food insecurity is a pressing issue. According to a recent survey by the Hope Center for College, Community, and Justice, nearly 40% of college students experienced food insecurity during their studies. Programs like HB273 could play a crucial role in addressing these challenges.

Once designated a hunger-free campus, a college can apply for grants to enhance their food pantry efforts. Though the funding is contingent on future budget approvals, the potential for positive change is significant.

Almond revealed that this bill was inspired by students at the University of Alabama who urged their representatives to take action. If everything goes smoothly, the provisions outlined in HB273 will take effect on October 1, 2025, paving the way for a supportive environment where students can thrive without the worry of hunger.



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