NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Legislation aimed at addressing food insecurity among Tennessee’s college students advanced out of the Finance, Ways and Means Committee.
House Bill 0007, sponsored by State Rep. Michael Hale, R-Smithville, establishes the Hunger Free Campus Grant program, which would be administered by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC).
“No student should have to choose between pursuing a degree and having enough to eat,” said Hale. “This legislation creates a targeted, accountable pathway to connect students with the resources they need so they can stay focused on their education and build a stronger future.”
The new program would be funded through a combination of public and private sources, including donations, grants, and appropriations from the General Assembly. While participation is voluntary, the legislation outlines eligibility criteria for institutions and establishes clear guidelines for how grant funds may be used to support students in need.
Students in postsecondary education experience food insecurity at nearly twice the rate of the general population, with estimates showing up to 30% of Tennessee’s higher education students are affected. Rising costs for tuition, housing, textbooks, and transportation, combined with reductions in financial aid, have contributed to this growing challenge.
House Bill 0007 has now been placed behind the budget for further consideration.
Rep. Michael Hale represents District 40, which includes Cannon, DeKalb, Jackson, Smith, and part of Wilson counties.
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