This story was reported and written by Radio IQ.
Members of the General Assembly are considering an effort to crack down on food insecurity on college campuses in Virginia.
When students at William and Mary conducted a survey to determine the extent of food insecurity on campus, they were shocked by the feedback they received.
"One student shared how they survived on just $50 a week using coupons to stretch their budget as far as possible," says Allyson Lam, a W&M student who's the president of Food for All. "Many students are missing key nutritional requirements from their diets, even becoming anemic, underweight or exhibiting signs of disordered eating. Some students lack the energy to attend class or complete exams without worrying that their stomachs will be heard rumbling amongst their classmates."
Enter Senator Danica Roem, a Democrat from Manassas who has made food insecurity at schools a signature issue. She's working with Democrats in the House and Senate on the Hunger Free Campus Act to make sure pantries are stocked and food is available at colleges and universities across Virginia.
"This is a phenomenal step that we can take. I'm really encouraging the House and Senate budget members to include this, even if it's just in the first year. Maybe we can pilot it," Roem says. "Maybe we can get something. Now is the time to do it; especially at a time of so much uncertainty coming from the federal government."
The cost of the program is half a million dollars, and advocates are hopeful they can secure a budget amendment this week to make it happen.
This report, provided by Virginia Public Radio, was made possible with support from the Virginia Education Association.
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