Bill > S02637

This bill establishes the "Hunger-Free Campus Grant Program" to address food insecurity among students at public higher education institutions. The program creates a competitive grant process where colleges can receive funding by meeting specific requirements to support students' nutritional needs. These requirements include establishing a hunger task force, designating a staff member to help students enroll in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), educating students about SNAP benefits, providing SNAP benefit options at campus stores, holding hunger awareness events, maintaining a campus food pantry, developing a meal credit donation program, and conducting annual student hunger surveys. Grant funding will prioritize institutions with the highest percentage of Pell grant-eligible students, and recipients must report how they use the funds. The commissioner of education is required to submit a comprehensive report to state leadership within two years of establishing the program, detailing grant awards, student support outcomes, and potential recommendations for future funding. The goal is to create sustainable solutions to combat student hunger and help students continue their education by addressing their basic nutritional needs.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S2637