Graduate students advocate for funding campus initiatives to combat hunger

A coalition of college students and administrators in Massachusetts is urging state lawmakers to address food insecurity on campus by providing $2 million for the Hunger Free Campus Initiative. The group is also advocating for legislation to better fund programs that support low-income students on 27 college campuses statewide.

Sean Simonini, vice chair of the Massachusetts Public Interest Research Group Students, emphasized the impact of hunger on students’ ability to focus and succeed in their studies. He highlighted that nearly 40% of college students in the state experienced food insecurity in 2019, a number that has likely increased due to the pandemic.

The coalition believes that addressing food insecurity is essential for ensuring that students can fully benefit from programs like MassReconnect and MassGrantPlus, which aim to increase access to education for all. Simonini stressed that investing in public higher education institutions not only benefits the students but also contributes to the future workforce of Massachusetts.

The proposed funding would be used to improve access to SNAP and WIC benefits, enhance food pantries on campuses, and create donation systems for students in need. By tackling food insecurity, the coalition believes that the state can better support the development of future nurses, educators, and other essential workers.

The push for funding comes at a time when enrollment in Massachusetts community colleges is on the rise, indicating a growing need for support services to ensure that all students have the resources they need to succeed. The coalition’s efforts align with a broader goal of creating a more equitable and inclusive higher education system in the state.