Support Hunger-Free Campuses in Maryland

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Campus Food Insecurity

While the issue of food insecurity in higher education is not new, students still face a number of unique barriers that prevent them from accessing resources that so many low-income Marylanders rely on. Off-campus pantries can be challenging to reach, and stigma plays a huge role in preventing many students from seeking help outside of their college community.

The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, temporarily expanded student eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by adding two new exemptions and opened the door for those eligible for a Federal Work Study Job, and with an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) of 0. The return to pre-pandemic rules has underscored the urgent need for updated SNAP policy and additional support for the campus community.

The requirements for college students and SNAP remain challenging to navigate without guidance from SNAP application specialists, and easy access to information regarding state requirements. Food insecurity on college campuses impacts students, campus staff, and the surrounding community. 

In Maryland

Delegate Debra Davis and Senator Mary Washington introduced the Hunger-Free Grant Program (HB 891/SB 767), and it passed in 2021.

This bill created a state-funded matching grant program that provides higher education institutions with funding to address food insecurity in their campus community. These grant dollars are administered by the Maryland Higher Education Commission and go towards efforts such as establishing a Hunger-Free Task Force; designating staff to connect eligible students with SNAP application assistance and local SNAP retailers; establishing a system for stigma-free access to community food resources; raising awareness for food insecurity through campus events in order to reduce stigma; and creating a meal plan swipe sharing program that allows students to donate unused swipes to fellow students in need. The Hunger Free Campus Grant Program funding became available in fiscal year 2023.   

Delegate Debra Davis and Senator Mary Washington successfully passed legislation (HB0774/ SB 0789) in 2025, expanding the “Hunger-Free Campus” title eligibility to private institutions, with no change in funding eligibility.  

This program is a critical step in ensuring that students are not forced to suffer food insecurity or the negative impacts it may have on their pursuit of higher education.

The Hunger-Free Campus Grant Program has officially been released for fiscal year 2026. You can find the request for applications (RFA) listed on the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) website under the “Institutional Grants” tab or by clicking here. We encourage campuses to apply! 

Highlighted information for 2025 – 2026 

Grant Period: October 15th 2025 – June 30th, 2026  

Application Due Date: Monday, October  6th, 2025 by 4:00 PM 

Learn more:

Get Involved

Apply for SNAP

  • You can apply for SNAP in-person at your local DSS office or online by visiting https://benefits.maryland.gov/home/#/
  • Apply over the phone with support from Maryland Hunger Solutions 

 by calling our toll-free hotline number: 1-866-821-5552 

Additional Resources