Committee backs one-year hunger-free campus pilot to help postsecondary students access food and benefits

The Senate Committee on Agriculture reported SB 980 favorably, creating a one-year Hunger-Free Campus pilot program within the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) designed to help postsecondary institutions address student food insecurity.

Senator Bernard, sponsor of SB 980, told the committee the program “is meant to help fight hunger on the campuses of post secondary education institutions” and is established for a one-year period beginning July 1, 2025. The commissioner is directed to identify the three institutions with the highest percentage of Pell-eligible students among state universities and the Florida College System and to develop a survey instrument requiring participating schools to establish hunger task forces, designate staff to assist students with SNAP enrollment, provide options for SNAP usage on campus and establish a food pantry.

Senator Boyd asked whether the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) supported the pilot; the committee record indicates FDACS support but notes the program remains subject to appropriations. One appearance card was filed in support by John Brady of the Florida State University Student Government Office of Government Affairs; Brady waived speaking time in support.

The sponsor waived closing and the committee called the roll. By the recorded vote, SB 980 was reported favorably and will proceed to the next committee or legislative step.

Votes at a glance: SB 980 — reported favorably. Roll-call entries recorded during the committee included Senator Bernard — yes; Senator Boyd — yes; Senator Roussan — yes; Vice Chair Graw — yes; Chair Tranel — yes.

The bill creates a pilot program and requires appropriation for implementation; no appropriation amount was specified in the committee record.