S2913A

The New York State Senate passed legislation Tuesday to address food insecurity among college students, approving Senate Print 2913A by a vote of 57-1. The bill would direct grants to SUNY institutions to establish task forces helping students navigate the SNAP program and create food pantries on campuses. Sponsor Sen. May cited research showing approximately two out of five college students experience food insecurity while juggling tuition, rent, books, and food costs. She noted that SUNY Chancellor King announced a complementary $1 million investment in campus food pantries. Sen. Murray voted in favor but expressed concerns about the bill's unspecified fiscal impact, listed as "to be determined and subject to appropriations." He advocated for prioritizing K-12 hunger relief funding that fell short in the current budget process. Only Sen. Walczyk voted against the measure. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage.