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Senate committee reports SB 534 to create 'hunger free campus' pilot program
Summary
SB 534, sponsored by Senator Bernard, would establish a pilot program to address student food insecurity on select public college and university campuses, require at least one food pantry during the pilot, options for SNAP access on campus and a December 1, 2028 report; the committee reported the bill favorably.
The Senate committee voted to report SB 534, a measure sponsored by Senator Bernard creating a 'hunger free campus pilot program' within the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services aimed at reducing student food insecurity at participating public colleges and universities.
Senator Bernard told the committee the bill would direct the agriculture commissioner to identify the three institutions with the highest percentage of Pell-eligible students, develop a survey and designate staff from the hunger task force to assist with SNAP enrollment and campus SNAP access options. The bill requires participating institutions to provide at least one food pantry during the pilot and to report to the commissioner, and by Dec. 1, 2028 the commissioner must report to the governor and House speaker on the program’s impact and funding recommendations.
An appearance in support was filed by Charmaine Postel. With no debate recorded, Senator Bernard closed and the clerk recorded affirmative roll-call votes that reported SB 534 favorably to the next stage.
