HUNGER FREE CAMPUS BILL

WHAT IS THE HUNGER FREE CAMPUS BILL?

Swipe Out Hunger is the original architect of the Hunger Free Campus Bill, which sends funding to public colleges who are addressing student hunger on campus. Since its passage in California, each state who has adopted it has customized it to their unique needs. The Bill enables colleges to:

1

Start a Swipe Out Hunger program

For campuses that have meal plans, students should have the option to donate their extra meals to their peers facing food insecurity on campus, enabling these students access to a warm, nourishing meal at a dining hall.
**Community colleges are exempt**

2

Establish
Food Pantries

Through an on-campus pantry or partnership with a local food bank, students should be able to regularly access food.

3

Create SNAP Enrollment Opportunities

Campuses should designate a person to ensure students have access to accurate information about the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), including how to apply.



In total, $100 million has been distributed through Hunger Free Campus legislation.

Learn more in these FAQs.

THE HUNGER FREE CAMPUS ACT HAS BEEN PASSED IN…

CALIFORNIA

July 2017

NEW JERSEY

May 2019

MARYLAND

April 2021

MINNESOTA

June 2021

LOUISIANA

June 2022

PENNSYLVANIA

July 2022

“With The Hunger Free Campus Act, Maryland became a national leader in funding education policy that actively supports all our students. We unequivocally said we will not stand for any of our students going hungry.”
– Maryland State Senator Mary Washington
Originally introduced the Hunger Free Campus Bill in Maryland

THE HUNGER FREE CAMPUS BILL HAS BEEN INTRODUCED IN…

“I applaud the Legislature for approving my initiative to support innovative programs and continue current investments that lessen student hunger. Student hunger on college campuses is a real problem that I saw in my 14 years at both UC Santa Barbara and Santa Barbara City College. The Hunger Free Campus incentive funding in this year’s budget will make a real difference in the lives of students by giving them the best opportunity to complete their degrees on time.”
– Assemblywoman Monique Limón
Originally introduced the Hunger Free Campus Bill in California

Swipe Out Hunger is here to help you introduce and implement this groundbreaking policy at colleges in your state.

Reach out to [email protected]
to learn more.

HOW HAVE COLLEGES LEVERAGED FUNDING FROM THE HUNGER FREE CAMPUS BILL?

In California, more than 2.7 million students have been helped through this legislation. See other examples of how students have used this funding to support students’ basic needs:

Staffed Basic Needs Positions

CSU Monterey Bay hired two student assistants to support campus basic needs initiatives.

Trained Student Wellness Advocates

CSU LA trained faculty, staff, and student leaders in basic needs best practices.

Strengthened Communication Outreach

CSU Monterey Bay launched a text message app, alerting students of leftover food at campus events.

Upgraded Existing Basic Needs Resources

CSU Fresno renovated their student cupboard with new SNAP stations and storage/refrigeration.

Expanded Universities’ SNAP Outreach and Enrollment

CSU LA has assisted 1,000 students with SNAP pre-screenings, applications, and reporting in the last school year.

Developed Creative Corporate & Community Partnerships

CSU Monterey Bay collaborated with Starbucks to receive donated grab-and-go food and local farmers markets
to purchase vouchers for produce.

“This bill allowed campuses to get started and show the impact this type of funding makes on student success. We are so thankful for the funding to be able to support our students with basic needs so that they can be successful inside and out of the classroom. 
– Jessica Medina, M.A. Ed.
Coordinator, Food Security Project
California State University, Fresno

MAKE YOUR STATE THE NEXT HUNGER-FREE CAMPUS STATE AND LEARN MORE!

OUR IMPACT

STUDENT HUNGER IS REAL.
WE CAN HELP END IT.

In the 2020 – 2021 school year, we provided more than 500,000 meals to students across the nation.