WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 318

Hunger-Free Campus Grant Program; established, report.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Danica Roem

Virginia establishes grant program funding public colleges to address student food insecurity with mandatory institutional reporting on program effectiveness and outcomes.

Left in Finance and Appropriations
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 318

Legislative bill overview

SB 318 establishes a Hunger-Free Campus Grant Program in Virginia to provide financial support to public colleges and universities for addressing food insecurity among students. The bill requires participating institutions to submit reports on their food insecurity programs and outcomes, creating accountability measures for grant funds.

Why is this important

Food insecurity affects a significant portion of college students, impacting academic performance, retention rates, and overall wellbeing. By formalizing grant funding and reporting requirements, the bill aims to create systematic, measurable solutions to student hunger rather than relying on ad-hoc institutional efforts.

Potential points of contention

  • Fiscal impact and appropriations: The bill passed Education and Health unanimously but has stalled in Finance and Appropriations, suggesting funding concerns about program costs and sustainability in the state budget
  • Institutional autonomy vs. reporting burden: Colleges may resist mandatory reporting requirements and state oversight of how they address food insecurity on their campuses
  • Eligibility and equity questions: Unclear whether all Virginia public higher education institutions would be eligible or if criteria would limit participation, potentially creating unequal access to resources across campuses

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

Sign in to ask a question.