Hunger-Free Campus Act

SB 245, the Hunger-Free Campus Act, creates a grant program for West Virginia public universities to address student food insecurity. To qualify, campuses must meet specific requirements, including establishing a hunger task force, providing SNAP assistance, operating food pantries or stigma-free food access, hosting awareness events, and conducting annual student hunger surveys. Eligible institutions receive state grant funding - subject to available appropriations - to implement programs like meal credit sharing and improve campus food security services. The Higher Education Policy Commission must report to the governor and legislature within two years on grant distribution, program impact, and recommendations for expansion.