TRENTON – The Senate passed legislation sponsored by Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz and Senator Angela V. McKnight requiring public institutions of higher education to provide students with information of food assistance programs.
“One in three college students faces uncertainty about where their next meal will come from. While hunger poses a barrier to our students’ success, many students remain unaware of the initiatives that could ease their struggle,” said Majority Leader Ruiz (D-Essex/Hudson). “By providing information on food assistance at our public colleges we can point students to the resources available to them and help wipe out student hunger.”
“It is essential to equip our young scholars with the knowledge and resources available to them for success. Far too often, college students face the harsh reality of food insecurity and are unaware or misinformed about their eligibility for assistance programs like SNAP,” said Senator McKnight (D-Hudson). “Requiring universities to provide clear, recurring messaging on how to access food assistance will encourage more eligible students to enroll and get the help they need.”
The bill, S-3890, requires the Commissioner of Human Services, in consultation with the Secretary of Higher Education, to develop general program information on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and include a link to the application for students.
Under the bill, any information on food assistance, pantry, meal swipe, or similar programs offered by the institution or located in the community would be included on an offer of admission and via email upon each semester’s registration.
The bill was passed in a 38-0 vote.