Massachusetts Awards Grants to 30 Colleges to Address Student Hunger

Several Massachusetts colleges and universities have received Hunger Free Campus Initiative grants from the state to ensure students are fed and have access to food. 

Northern Essex Community College and UMass Lowell are among the 30 colleges and universities that have received funds to support student food programs, including pantries, lockers, grab-and-go stations, vouchers, and meal swipes.

Grant amounts announced include the following:

These grants are estimated to serve approximately 36,000 students across Massachusetts.

“Massachusetts has led the way in addressing student hunger. We continued investing in Universal School Meals after the pandemic, filling the need left by the federal government. And we know hunger doesn't end once you enter college,” said Rep. Andy X. Vargas in a news release. “As we continue to lower barriers to higher education, it is important that we ensure our residents have the tools to succeed in these new opportunities. Students should be hungry to learn in class, not hungry to eat. And, as a state that values education, it's important to address food insecurity and enable greater learning, workforce development, and unlock the full potential of every student.”

“Far too many students on our campuses were already struggling to afford food, and President Trump and Congressional Republicans' cuts to SNAP and other food assistance programs have made things even worse," said Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey. “In Massachusetts, we are committed to preventing everyone, including our students, from going hungry.”

Healey and state officials have placed this initiative within broader efforts, such as the Basic Needs Security program, to help students facing food insecurity and other basic needs challenges.