State Rep. Michael Hale, R-Smithville, proposed legislation that would help combat food insecurity at universities and community colleges across the state.
A report by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) showed that campus administrators estimate roughly 30% of students experience food insecurity.
“Our college students, who are working hard to ensure a better life for themselves and their families, often make the difficult choice between rent and food,” Hale said.
House Bill 1914 would create a hunger-free campus grant program that would provide funds to help higher education institutions provide food to its students.
In order to be eligible for the grant program, schools must have an established food pantry or partner with a community food pantry that is accessible to students. They must also form a “Hunger Task Force” that includes at least two students to examine the need and best practices for food insecurity on campus.
The institutions must use the funds to develop a student meal credit donation program, allocate funding for a meal voucher program or provide financial assistance to its food pantry or partner pantry. Along with raising awareness of community and campus resources for students facing food insecurity.
“Our goal is to make food insecurity a thing of the past. While this is not the end-all solution, it is a step in the right direction. It is an honor to carry this legislation, and I look forward to guiding it to passage to fight for our students,” Hale said.
Schools will have to submit an annual report to the Education Administration committee outlining its efforts to address food insecurity, demographics and best practices implemented.
The bill passed the Higher Education subcommittee and now moves on to the Education Administration committee.