Ohio Lawmakers Push Bipartisan Bill to Combat Campus Food Insecurity
Bipartisan legislation would create Ohio’s first Hunger-Free Campus Grant Program with $625,000 in funding to combat widespread student food insecurity.
COLUMBUS, OHIO — Ohio lawmakers are advancing bipartisan legislation to tackle food insecurity on college campuses across the state, proposing a new grant program that would provide recognition and funding for hunger-relief efforts at universities.
State representatives Sean Brennan, a Democrat from Parma, and Jim Hoops, a Republican from Napoleon, have introduced Ohio House Bill 157 to establish the Hunger-Free Campus Grant Program under the Chancellor of Higher Education.
“The hope at the end of the day is that every college and university in Ohio, private and public, would have a robust program,” said Brennan. “Hungry students don’t do as well academically.”
Program Details and Funding
The proposed legislation would allocate $625,000 for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to support campus food security initiatives. The bill has undergone three hearings in the Ohio House Workforce and Higher Education Committee.
Under the program, colleges and universities could earn a hunger-free designation from the Department of Higher Education. This certification would signal to prospective students that comprehensive support systems exist on campus.
“It would create a hunger-free designation that colleges and universities could get from the Department of Higher Ed to show prospective students that when you come to our campus, we’re going to help take care of you,” Brennan explained. “We’ve got programs to assist you, whether you need it right off the bat, or if you run into hard times.”
Campus Food Pantries Already Widespread
Food insecurity is a significant challenge for college students, though experts note the problem often remains hidden from view. Nearly every college campus in Ohio currently operates some form of food pantry, but these programs vary widely in scope and resources.
The invisible nature of student hunger makes it difficult to address comprehensively, according to education officials. Students may struggle to afford nutritious meals while balancing tuition costs, housing expenses, and other academic fees.
Statewide Impact
The bipartisan nature of the legislation reflects growing recognition that food insecurity affects students across party lines and geographic regions. By creating standardized criteria for hunger-free campus designation, the program aims to ensure consistent support systems at institutions throughout Ohio.
The grant program would supplement existing campus food pantry operations while encouraging universities to expand their hunger-relief efforts. Schools that achieve the designation would demonstrate their commitment to student welfare beyond traditional academic support services.
As the bill continues through the legislative process, supporters emphasize that addressing basic needs like food security directly correlates with improved academic outcomes and student retention rates across Ohio’s higher education system.
