The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is committed to ensuring nutrition security across all age groups and demographics. As part of this effort, the Academy has endorsed both the Opportunity to Address College Hunger Act and the No Hungry Kids in Schools Act.
Academy Supports the Opportunity to Address College Hunger Act to Ensure Nutrition Security for College Students
The Academy is proud to support the Opportunity to Address College Hunger Act, a critical bill to increase nutrition security for college students. The bill was introduced by Representative Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) on June 12, 2025, to address the gap of college students eligible for but not receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
This legislation would require institutions of higher education to notify Pell Grant recipients that they may qualify to receive SNAP benefits. Additionally, schools must provide students with official documentation of eligibility, addressing a common barrier in the SNAP application process. By ensuring that eligible students are made aware of their potential benefits, this bill helps expand access to SNAP for students who qualify but are not yet participating in the program.
Learn more about the Opportunity to Address College Hunger Act
Academy Supports the Not Hungry Kids in Schools Act to Expand Access to Free School Meals
The Academy is also proud to endorse the No Hungry Kids in Schools Act, which would expand free school meals access to all students in America. The bill was introduced by Representative Pete Aguilar (D-CA) on March 27, 2025, to eliminate the 25% eligibility threshold for the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP).
Currently, school districts can apply to serve free school meals to all students through the CEP if at least 25% of the school's student population is identified as low-income. By removing the 25% rule, all schools would be eligible to provide free meals regardless of the income-based eligibility. By expanding access to free school meals for all children, this bill ensures students have access to a well-balanced, nutritious meal at school.
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