Gov. Murphy Signs New Jersey Hunger-Free Campus Act

Governor Murphy signs package of Anti-Hunger bills including A4702 Hunger-Free Campus Act– a $1 Million allocation to address food insecurity among students enrolled in public institutions of higher education

The legislation establishes a $1 million fund to support campuses in establishing sustainable solutions to address campus hunger. Through this bill, public institutions will use the funds to develop dining hall meal credit programs known as Swipe Out Hunger, establish campus food pantries, and designate employees to assist students with the otherwise outdated SNAP enrollment process. The full list of programs and direct legislation here. 

New Jersey is the second state to pass such legislation after California passed the Hunger-Free Campus Bill in 2017. A4702 was championed by the advocacy group Hunger Free NJ. The purpose of this bill is to address student hunger; leverage more sustainable solutions to address basic food needs on campus; raise awareness of services currently offered on campus which address basic food needs, and continue to build strategic partnerships at the local, state, and national levels to address food insecurity among students.

“Many college kids around the state do not know where their next meal is coming from. Students cannot get the most out of their classes if they are going hungry. By addressing food insecurity at state universities we will help our best and brightest to reach their full potential.” said NJ Senator Sandra Cunningham.

“We commend Governor Murphy and the bill’s sponsors for their bold leadership towards end college student hunger,” said Rachel Sumekh, Founder and CEO of Swipe Out Hunger. “Every student deserves to feel like their campus was truly designed for them, resources catalyzed by the Hunger-Free Campus Act do just that.”

Sumekh is the architect of the original California bill authored by the trailblazing Asmb. Monique Limón.

ARE YOU ON A PUBLIC COLLEGE CAMPUS IN NEW JERSEY? 

Reach out to Swipe Out Hunger to discuss bringing the program to your campus by emailing [email protected].

ARE YOU A POLICYMAKER IN ANOTHER STATE? 

Let’s discuss bringing the Hunger Free Campus Act to your state. Reach out to [email protected].

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN FUNDING WORK LIKE THIS? 

Help us address hunger on college campuses across NJ and the nation by making a donation to Swipe Out Hunger.