Hunger-Free College Campuses

College hunger is a longstanding problem. While Massachusetts is a leader in providing access to federal nutrition benefits to college students many institutional challenges remain in addition to the stigma and bureaucracy facing all households. 37% of public college students in Massachusetts faced food insecurity in 2024, but only 20% are enrolled in SNAP. 

The Hunger Free-Campus Coalition and bill sponsors Rep. Andy Vargas and Rep. Mindy Domb have introduced An Act Establishing the Massachusetts Hunger-Free Campus Initiative, which would provide capacity, guidance, and funding to public colleges and not-for-profit institutions of higher education take steps to alleviate food insecurity on campus. The Department of Higher Education will establish the Hunger-Free Campus Initiative, which will be available to all public higher education institutions.

This bill would encourage colleges to become a Hunger-Free Campus by: 

1. Designating a college staff person as a point of contact for support programs. 

2. Establishing a hunger-free campus taskforce.

3. Notifying students that receive need-based financial aid of their potential eligibility for federal nutrition assistance such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

4. Assessing the need for on-campus food distribution, access to an off-site food pantry, or the establishment of an on-campus food pantry.

5. Establishing on-campus SNAP EBT vendors to allow students to actually use their benefits.  

• The Hunger Free Campus bill received a favorable report out of the Joint Committee on Higher Education on June 23, 2025. It was then referred to the Committee on Senate Ways and Means.
• In the FY26 budget, the Hunger Free Campus Initiative was allocated $500,000.  
• In her budget proposal for FY2027, Governor Healey proposed the same amount again. The bill will now move to the Legislature where advocates will seek additional funds.