Students Voices Take the Lead at the Georgia State Capitol

On February 11, 2026, Swipe Out Hunger and Representative Bryce Berry hosted a powerful advocacy day at the Georgia State Capitol in Atlanta. This event brought together a coalition of student organizations to champion the Hunger Free Campus Bill, which provides funding to public colleges in support of their food access programs. It was an inspiring day of action, proving how powerful it is when students are at the forefront of the conversation. Their leadership is driving the progress needed to ensure no Georgian has to choose between their education and their next meal.

Student leaders participated in meetings with legislators and spoke to the press about the importance of student basic needs security. More than 30 students from across Georgia—representing the Black Youth Empowerment Network, the Student Government Alliance, and the International Students Club—gathered to demonstrate the broad yet unified movement for the Hunger Free Campus Bill. By sharing their personal experiences and detailing the real-world barriers that food insecurity creates for success, these advocates brought student-centered insights to the conversation.

Student leadership is vital because students provide an invaluable perspective. When they lead, they ensure that policies are effective, equitable, and truly responsive to the campus community.

“Advocacy days demonstrate the importance of an issue to legislators by providing an opportunity for them to hear directly from their constituents. In this case, students could effectively emphasize the issue of college student hunger by speaking about their personal experiences and highlighting the need for State level resources.”

– Zoe Duffield, Swipe Out Hunger’s Director of Advocacy

Currently, the Hunger Free Campus Bill, introduced by Rep. Berry, is in committee awaiting a hearing as the legislative session nears its close. Students continue to drive this momentum, proving that no one understands these challenges better than them. We encourage student leaders to get involved in their state’s legislative solutions— sign up here for Swipe led engagement opportunities. 

To see the energy of our day at the Capitol, watch our video recap and join us in celebrating the students leading the way toward a hunger-free future.