The Louisiana Board of Regents held its December 2024 meeting, focusing on the significant issue of food insecurity among college students through the presentation of the Hunger Free Campus report. Dr. Craig highlighted the initiative, established under Act 719 of the 2022 legislative session, which aims to designate campuses as hunger-free and provide funding to support these efforts.

Dr. Craig emphasized the alarming statistic that three in five college students face food insecurity, which adversely affects their academic performance and overall well-being. The report showcased various programs implemented across public institutions in Louisiana, including food pantries, meal swipe sharing programs, and community gardens. Notably, the report revealed a wide range of resources available, from basic food supplies to educational programs aimed at assisting students in need.

The Board discussed the results of a needs assessment conducted among institutions, which indicated that many campuses require consistent food supplies, SNAP assistance, and additional funding to enhance their food support programs. The assessment also highlighted that some institutions operate food pantries without any institutional funding, relying solely on community support.

The meeting announced the first recipients of the Hunger Free Campus grant awards, which included Louisiana Delta Community College and the University of New Orleans, among others. These institutions utilized the $8,000 grants for various purposes, such as purchasing refrigeration to store perishable food items and improving marketing efforts to raise awareness of available resources.

Looking ahead, the Board plans to collaborate with the Department of Children and Family Services to facilitate SNAP eligibility sign-up days on campuses and explore potential state funding to further support hunger-free initiatives. Additionally, they aim to recognize outstanding institutions through a tiered distinction system and consider a student fee to bolster pantry resources.

The meeting concluded with a heartfelt acknowledgment from a student expressing gratitude for the support received from campus food programs, underscoring the vital role these initiatives play in helping students focus on their education rather than their next meal. The Board of Regents will submit the Hunger Free Campus report to the appropriate legislative committees, marking a significant step in addressing food insecurity in Louisiana's higher education institutions.