Samantha Ellis, Vermont Law And Graduate School Graduate

Building Resilient Campuses: Policy Solutions for Student Food Insecurity College food insecurity is a systemic and prominent issue affecting campuses across North America. Research from both Canada and the United States indicates that about 40% of college and graduate students have encountered food insecurity during their educational journey, a staggering statistic that highlights a significant 30% disparity compared to the general population's food insecurity rates.
This presentation aims to provide a comprehensive comparison of college food security initiatives in Canada and the United States, focusing on policy recommendations to enhance food security for students in both countries. The United States has seen the emergence of notable initiatives such as the Hunger Free Campus legislation. These initiatives have led to the enactment of significant policies in states such as California, New Jersey, Maryland, Minnesota, Louisiana, and Pennsylvania, mandating campuses to facilitate the donation of excess meals, establish food pantries, and provide accurate information about Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs (SNAP).
In contrast, Canadian colleges and universities have also been grappling with food insecurity, though the response has varied significantly. This presentation will explore the existing measures in Canada, drawing parallels and contrasts with the approaches seen in the United States. By analyzing the successes and challenges of both countries' initiatives, we aim to identify best practices and provide actionable policy recommendations to improve food security for college students in Canada.
Key topics will include the impact of food insecurity on academic performance, mental health, and the unique challenges faced by marginalized groups, including minority and LGBTQ+ students. The presentation will also delve into the legislative landscape, evaluating the effectiveness of current policies and proposing enhancements for future implementations. Ultimately, this comparative analysis seeks to shed light on the urgent need for comprehensive food security strategies in higher education and the potential for cross-border learning to address this critical issue.

Danie Martin, Collectif québécois de la Coalition pour une saine alimentation scolaire

Julia Witmer, Columbia Law School

Sweet to Most, Salty to Some: Update on the Regulation of Food & Beverage Advertising to Children