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The last thing we, as Minnesota college students, should have to worry about is where our next meal is coming from. An astonishing 37% of Minnesota college students reported experiencing food insecurity in 2020.
Thankfully, Minnesota's Hunger Free Campus Act, passed in 2019, was created to address this need. Yet, because of the way the bill is set up, many college students may still go hungry.
LeadMN, an organization composed of two-year college students in Minnesota which advocates for breaking down barriers, championed the bill which allows private, community and public colleges in the state to be designated a Hunger Free Campus. As part of the legislation, only community and public colleges are able to apply for grant money that allows them to operate an on-campus food pantry. Campuses receive $8,000 the first year they apply for the grant and $5,000 every following year.
To receive the designation, campuses must: have an established on-campus food pantry or partnership with a food bank, provide students information about Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits or other government programs that reduce food insecurity, hold or participate in one hunger awareness event a year, have an established emergency assistance grant and establish a hunger task force.
As of January 2021, 19 higher-education institutions in the state, mostly community colleges, have been designated Hunger Free Campuses. Though I'm pleased LeadMN lobbied for the Hunger Free Campus Act, and that the Minnesota Legislature and Gov. Tim Walz were able to pass the bill, an important amendment needs to be made.
You will notice that private schools, such as St. Mary's University of Minnesota, where I am a student, are excluded from receiving these benefits. This is disappointing, as the purpose of the legislation is to make sure no college student goes hungry, not only that no public-school student goes hungry.