The Senate passed a bill to help alleviate food insecurity on West Virginia’s college campuses during Monday’s floor session.
Senate Bill 292, dubbed the Hunger-Free Campus Act, would provide grants to higher education institutions to aid in alleviating food insecurity for students on campus.
Under the bill, campuses would designate a staff member responsible for helping eligible students to enroll in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). There would be options to use SNAP benefits at campus stores that meet federal nutrition standards.
Campuses would also have food pantries and other ways for students to obtain food in a discreet way that reduces stigma. The legislation calls for a meal credit sharing program or funds for free meal vouchers.
Last week in the Senate Education Committee students from WVU and Marshall spoke of the need for this bill.
Their presentations to the committee used statistics to illustrate that one in three college students experience hunger each day. They said these students can’t afford balanced meals, sometimes don’t know where their next meal is coming from and fear running out of food before being able to purchase more.
In expressing their support for the bill, several lawmakers noted that that they were unaware hunger was an issue on the state’s college campuses.
The legislation now heads to the House of Delegates for consideration.
The Senate has adjourned until tomorrow, Feb. 20, at 11 a.m.
Afternoon Meetings:
Military at 1 p.m. in 208W
Transportation and Infrastructure at 1 p.m. in 451M
Ag and Natural Resources at 2 p.m. in 208W
Banking and Insurance at 2 p.m. in 451M
Judiciary at 3 p.m. in 451M
Morning Meetings for 2/20:
Gov. Org at 10 a.m. in 208W
Education at 10 a.m. in 451M
