( CNN ) -- The NCAA on Tuesday proposed that athletes receive unlimited meals and snacks , the collegiate sports organization said in a news release . Member Division I schools could provide their athletes food in addition to the meal plan covered by the student 's scholarship if the plan is approved , the release said . The announcement comes not long after a University of Connecticut star told reporters covering the NCAA tournament that he sometimes goes to bed `` starving '' because he ca n't afford food . Shabazz Napier 's remarks sparked a new discussion on what benefits athletes should receive . Napier , a senior , is a top NBA prospect . However , the NCAA has been discussing changes to its meals rules for months . The decision from the Legislative Council would need to be approved by the Division I board of directors at a meeting on April 24 . `` Today we took action to provide meals to student-athletes incidental to participation . I think the end result is right where it needs to be , '' said council chairwoman Mary Mulvenna . As of now , NCAA rules say athletes may be provided three meals a day or a food stipend . The new rule would apply to scholarship and nonscholarship athletes . Other proposals from the council included reducing the penalty for first time offenders of a positive test for street drugs like marijuana during championships and requiring football players to take at least three-hour breaks between practices during preseason . The drugs penalty will be suspension for half a season instead of a full season , the NCAA said . If approved the measures would take effect August 1 .
Ruling would apply to both those who get scholarships and those who do n't . NCAA has been looking at the issue for months . Star player at the tournament says he sometimes can not afford to buy food . Other proposals include lighter punishment for testing positive for marijuana .