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S 939

An Act establishing the hunger-free campus initiative

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by James Arena-DeRosa and 17 co-sponsors

Massachusetts bill establishes statewide initiative to reduce food insecurity among college students through institutional support programs and funding mechanisms.

Accompanied a new draft, see S2535
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Bill Summary · S 939

Legislative bill overview

S 939 establishes the Hunger-Free Campus Initiative in Massachusetts, a program designed to address food insecurity among college and university students. The bill likely creates funding mechanisms, institutional requirements, or support services to ensure students have adequate access to nutrition while pursuing higher education.

Why is this important

Food insecurity affects a significant percentage of college students nationwide, impacting academic performance, health, and retention rates. Addressing this issue through state-level policy can reduce barriers to educational attainment and support vulnerable student populations, particularly low-income and first-generation students.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding source and allocation: Questions about whether the state or institutions will bear financial responsibility, and how funds will be distributed among campuses of varying sizes and resources
  • Implementation standards: Disagreement over specific requirements (meal plans, food pantries, emergency grants) versus flexible institutional approaches, and compliance monitoring
  • Scope and eligibility: Debate over which institutions must participate (public vs. private), which students qualify for assistance, and how to prevent duplication with existing federal aid programs

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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