Policy Resolution EDU-24-09

WHEREAS, approximately one in three college students experience excess hunger, impacting their ability to perform well academically;

WHEREAS, nearly 75% Indigenous, Black, and American Indian / Alaska Native students experience food insecurity;

WHEREAS, financial and job insecurity, mounting student debt, and excess responsibilities create barriers to healthy and nutritious food on and around college campuses;

WHEREAS, first-time students are particularly susceptible to food-insecurity, experiencing for the first time increased bodily autonomy and responsibility;

WHEREAS, over two million meals have been distributed through “hunger-free campus” programs;

WHEREAS, ten states have already passed legislation to create “hunger-free campuses” and ten more states have introduced similar policies;

WHEREAS, more than 620 campuses in all fifty states have partnered together to create “hunger-free campuses”; and

WHEREAS, more than $112 million has already been provided to local communities through “hunger-free campus” legislation and grants in states across the nation.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBSCL) urges the legislative bodies of all states to designate “hunger-free campuses” throughout their jurisdictions, providing funding for grants directly available to universities designated as “hunger-free”;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the NBSCL urges the legislative bodies of all states to work to address food-insecurity among college students through sustainable solutions, increased marketing of current resources, and building partnerships;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the NBSCL urges the legislative bodies of all states to support institution-specific task forces to understand and effectively work against food-insecurity on college campuses; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States, the Vice President of the United States, members of the United States House of Representatives and the United States Senate, and other federal and state government officials as appropriate.

• Resolution ID: EDU-24-09
• Sponsored by: Rep. Carol Ammons (IL)
• Policy Committee: Education (EDU)