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Bill

S 2535

An Act establishing the hunger-free campus initiative

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

Massachusetts legislation requiring colleges to establish food assistance programs including pantries and meal aid to address student hunger insecurity.

Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Senate Ways and Means
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Bill Summary · S 2535

Legislative bill overview

S 2535 establishes a statewide "hunger-free campus initiative" designed to address food insecurity among college and university students in Massachusetts. The bill creates programmatic requirements and likely funding mechanisms for public and private higher education institutions to provide meal plans, food pantries, emergency assistance, and nutrition education to reduce student hunger.

Why is this important

Food insecurity affects a significant portion of college students nationwide, impacting academic performance, mental health, and retention rates. This legislation directly addresses a documented barrier to educational success while potentially reducing strain on students' already limited financial resources during their studies.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding source and cost: Unclear whether the state will fully fund these initiatives or place financial burden on institutions, potentially raising tuition or redirecting existing resources
  • Implementation scope: Questions remain about whether requirements apply equally to all institutions or vary by size/type, and what specific services are mandated versus optional
  • Effectiveness measurement: The bill may lack clear metrics for success, making it difficult to assess whether initiatives meaningfully reduce food insecurity versus creating administrative overhead
  • Private institution participation: Potential disagreement over whether private colleges should be required to comply with state mandates or offered incentives instead

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

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