Virginia Students Advocate for Hunger-Free Campuses

On January 28, 2025, Swipe Out Hunger organized 30 students from 6 schools across Virginia to advocate for the Hunger Free Campus Act at the State Capitol in Richmond. Thanks to the combined efforts of students, campus staff, and community partners, the bill was passed on February 22 with $500,000 in funding to colleges, making Virginia the eleventh state to pass Hunger Free Campus. 
 
Nearly two thirds of Virginia’s public colleges reported that their students experience a food insecurity rate between 25% and 50%. Yet, less than half (40%) have any funding allocated to student food security resources and services.

“We can do better. Our daily experiences with running these pantries have shown that so many students are relying on the services that we are providing,” said Allisyn Lam, a recent graduate from William & Mary. “Even though we are student-run and student-led programs, the state is able to provide a sustainable and long term change to this problem because there’s only so much that other students can do. So having the accountability be shared amongst higher education institutions and the state will create a change that is going to actually make the biggest difference.”

At the advocacy day in Richmond, students from George Mason University, William & Mary, the University of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, James Madison University, and Virginia Tech held over 60 meetings with delegates, senators, and leadership members to discuss the importance of the Hunger Free Campus Act, the prevalence of food insecurity on their campuses, and the need for funding to address student hunger. By making their voices heard, students left a lasting impact on current and future generations of college students. 

“I’m supporting this bill because of my dad. 40 years ago, he was a student who was relying on services like this, and not much has changed since the time that he was a Virginia student,” said Lam. “Creating changes like this are going to make sure that future generations, starting with us, are making a change that will last for generations.” 

The passage of the Hunger Free Campus Act would not have been possible without leaders like Sen. Danica Roem and Rep. Cousins who championed the bill, as well as supporters like Del. Shelly Simonds. This funding and legislation are just the first steps to combat college student hunger in Virginia, and we will continue to advocate for further support alongside student leaders and campuses throughout the state. 

Watch a recap of our Hunger Free Campus event in Richmond:

Want to get involved in our advocacy efforts to bring Hunger Free Campus to your state? Contact our Advocacy team to learn more.