The Hunger-Free Campus Act, a pilot program addressing post-secondary student hunger in Oklahoma, will receive $200,000 in state appropriations this year.

Rep. Daniel Pae, R-Lawton was able to secure funding through the state budget to create the pilot.

“Between tuition and fees and often low-paying jobs or little time for work as they juggle busy class schedules, college students often have plenty on their plate except food,” Pae said.

“Our goal is to support strategies that combat hunger on college campuses, including  outreach to students to provide available resources that will help alleviate food insecurity.”

The program would require coordination with the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma and the Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma.

To receive the Hunger-Free Campus designation, selected institutions must assist students in enrolling in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), among other requirements.

Students who work at least 20 hours per week or participate in a federal or state-financed work-study program are eligible for SNAP. Students with children under six or children ages six to 11 who lack childcare to meet work requirements, and single parents of children under 12 who are enrolled full-time can qualify as well.