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ONE HUNDRED EIGHTH LEGISLATURE
SECOND SESSION
LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION 333
Introduced by Conrad, 46.
PURPOSE: The purpose of this resolution is to propose an interim study to
determine whether legislation similar to the model Hunger-Free Campus Bill is
needed to address hunger and basic needs insecurity of Nebraska college students. This study should also determine the size and scope of hunger and basic needs insecurity of Nebraska college students, assess available resources to address hunger and basic needs insecurity of Nebraska college students, and research best practices other states utilize to address hunger and basic needs insecurity of college students.
Nationally, one in three college students face food insecurity and three in five college students face at least one form of basic needs insecurity.
Basic needs include access to food, housing, health care, technology,
transportation, resources for personal hygiene, and child care and related needs. As students from diverse backgrounds are entering college with hopes of
creating a better future, many are struggling to support themselves and finish their degrees. While additional forms of food assistance, such as local food pantries exist, many students do not know how to access these resources and the stigma of accessing such resources keeps students from using the resources.
The high cost of housing, transportation, textbooks, health care, and other living expenses, coupled with the rising cost of tuition, have created significant financial burdens for college students. These costs particularly impact students from low-income families, those who have children, first-
generation and nontraditional college students, and former foster youth.
Financial aid programs and scholarships designed for low-income students fail to cover the bulk of their needs and even if students work while in school the income from a job does not eliminate the threat of food and other basic needs
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insecurity.
Ten states have passed a version of the model Hunger-Free Campus Bill,
which sends funding to public colleges to address student hunger. Any public college is eligible to access these funds if it meets certain criteria.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MEMBERS OF THE ONE HUNDRED EIGHTH
LEGISLATURE OF NEBRASKA, SECOND SESSION:
1. That the Education Committee of the Legislature shall be designated to
conduct an interim study to carry out the purposes of this resolution.
2. That the committee shall upon the conclusion of its study make a report of its findings, together with its recommendations, to the Legislative Council or Legislature.
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