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Committee advances Hunger-Free Campus pilot to aid college students on food assistance
Summary
The Senate Committee on Agriculture reported SB 980 favorably. The bill would create a one-year Hunger-Free Campus pilot within the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to help postsecondary institutions increase food access and SNAP enrollment among Pell-eligible students, subject to appropriation.
The Senate Committee on Agriculture voted to report SB 980, which would establish a one-year Hunger-Free Campus pilot program within the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) to support food access on postsecondary campuses. Senator Bernard, sponsor of the bill, told the committee the program would run for one year beginning July 1, 2025, and direct the agriculture commissioner to identify the three institutions with the highest percentage of Pell Grant-eligible students among state universities and the Florida College System.
Senator Bernard said the commissioner would "develop a survey instrument requiring all participating universities and colleges to meet certain requirements, including but not limited to establishing a hunger task force, designating a staff member responsible for assisting students in enrollment in SNAP, and providing options for students to use SNAP benefits on campuses, and also establishing food pantry." The sponsor noted the program is subject to appropriation.
John Brady of Florida State University Student Government filed an appearance card and waived in support. The committee recorded no substantive debate and closed discussion before a roll call. The committee announced SB 980 was "reported favorably."
Practical effect and next steps SB 980 would create an FDACS pilot program to identify and work with three campuses that have high rates of Pell Grant eligibility to improve on-campus food access and SNAP enrollment assistance. The program's start date and one-year duration are specified; funding and participating institutions will depend on the commissioner’s selection and any appropriations that may be enacted.
Votes at committee The committee called the roll and reported SB 980 favorably.
