Opportunity To Address College Hunger Act

12/15/2023, 3:53 PM

Opportunity To Address College Hunger Act

This bill requires institutions of higher education (IHEs) that receive grants to operate work-study programs to notify a student receiving work-study assistance that the student may be eligible for participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The Department of Education must provide guidance to states and IHEs on how to identify and communicate with students who are potentially eligible for SNAP.

Bill 118 HR 309, also known as the Opportunity To Address College Hunger Act, was introduced in the US Congress with the aim of addressing the issue of food insecurity among college students. The bill seeks to provide funding for colleges and universities to establish or expand programs that address hunger on campus.

Specifically, the bill would authorize the Secretary of Education to award grants to institutions of higher education to support initiatives such as food pantries, meal swipe programs, and partnerships with local food banks. These programs would be designed to ensure that students have access to nutritious food and do not have to worry about going hungry while pursuing their education.

In addition, the bill would require colleges and universities to collect and report data on food insecurity among their student populations, in order to better understand the scope of the problem and tailor interventions accordingly. This data would be used to inform future policy decisions and allocate resources more effectively. Overall, the Opportunity To Address College Hunger Act aims to support students in need and ensure that they have the resources they need to succeed in their academic pursuits. By addressing food insecurity on college campuses, the bill seeks to promote student well-being and academic success.
Congress
118

Number
HR - 309

Introduced on
2023-01-12

# Amendments
0

Sponsors
+5

Cosponsors
+5

Variations and Revisions

1/12/2023

Status of Legislation

Bill Introduced
Introduced to House
House to Vote
Introduced to Senate
Senate to Vote

Purpose and Summary

Opportunity To Address College Hunger Act

This bill requires institutions of higher education (IHEs) that receive grants to operate work-study programs to notify a student receiving work-study assistance that the student may be eligible for participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The Department of Education must provide guidance to states and IHEs on how to identify and communicate with students who are potentially eligible for SNAP.

Bill 118 HR 309, also known as the Opportunity To Address College Hunger Act, was introduced in the US Congress with the aim of addressing the issue of food insecurity among college students. The bill seeks to provide funding for colleges and universities to establish or expand programs that address hunger on campus.

Specifically, the bill would authorize the Secretary of Education to award grants to institutions of higher education to support initiatives such as food pantries, meal swipe programs, and partnerships with local food banks. These programs would be designed to ensure that students have access to nutritious food and do not have to worry about going hungry while pursuing their education.

In addition, the bill would require colleges and universities to collect and report data on food insecurity among their student populations, in order to better understand the scope of the problem and tailor interventions accordingly. This data would be used to inform future policy decisions and allocate resources more effectively. Overall, the Opportunity To Address College Hunger Act aims to support students in need and ensure that they have the resources they need to succeed in their academic pursuits. By addressing food insecurity on college campuses, the bill seeks to promote student well-being and academic success.
Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedTo amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require institutions of higher education to provide notice to students receiving work-study assistance about potential eligibility for participation in the supplemental nutrition assistance program, and for other purposes.

Policy Areas
Education

Potential Impact
Employment and training programs
Food assistance and relief
Government information and archives
Higher education

Comments

Recent Activity

Latest Summary1/30/2023

Opportunity To Address College Hunger Act

This bill requires institutions of higher education (IHEs) that receive grants to operate work-study programs to notify a student receiving work-study assistance that the student may be elig...


Latest Action1/12/2023
Referred to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce.