Connecticut General Statutes Title 10A. State System of Higher Education § 10a-55ee. Food insecurity survey, programs and services

(a) As used in this section, (1) “food insecurity” or “food insecure” means the lack of financial resources needed to consistently access enough food for an active and healthy life, and (2) “fruit and vegetable incentive program” means a program that offers participants matching funds to purchase fruits and vegetables in any increment relative to the cost of such fruits and vegetables.

(b) Not later than March 1, 2023, and biennially thereafter, each public institution of higher education in the state shall administer a survey to each student enrolled at such institution for the purpose of collecting data on the number of students who are food insecure and the causes of and reasons for such food insecurity. Such survey shall include, but need not be limited to, questions regarding a student's (1) demographic background, including age, race, ethnicity, gender identity, marital status, income, education and employment; (2) specific barriers to food access; and (3) awareness or use of community or institutional resources to address food insecurity and any barriers to accessing such resources.

(c) Not later than October 1, 2023, and biennially thereafter, each public institution of higher education shall evaluate any services and programs offered by such institution to address the needs of food-insecure students. Based on the results of the survey administered pursuant to subsection (b) of this section, each institution shall amend any existing services or programs or establish a new service or program to address the needs of food-insecure students. Such service or program may include, but not be limited to, (1) assistance and support for students to enroll in the supplemental nutrition assistance program pursuant to the federal Food and Nutrition Act of 2008,  1 or any other state or federal program for nutrition assistance or financial aid, including programs for families, if such program is applicable to the student; (2) providing low-cost food or meal plan options on campus; (3) allowing students additional meals through additional card swipes on meal plans; (4) providing financial assistance or other financial student aid; (5) establishing or expanding a food pantry on campus; or (6) initiating a fruit and vegetable incentive program, or making such program available to students through agreement with a community nonprofit organization or governmental agency that provides such program. When amending or establishing any service or program pursuant to this subsection, each institution shall have the goal of providing such service or program to not less than ten per cent of the number of students identified as being food insecure in the survey administered pursuant to subsection (b) of this section.

(d) Not later than January 1, 2024, and biennially thereafter, each public institution of higher education in the state shall submit a report, in accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a, to the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to higher education, regarding any food insecurities among the students at such institution, including, but not limited to, (1) results from the survey administered pursuant to subsection (b) of this section, (2) services or programs to address the needs of food insecure students, including any amendments made to such services or programs pursuant to subsection (c) of this section, and (3) the number of students who utilized such services or programs during the preceding two years.