Apr 16, 2014 11:38 AM EDT By Russell Westerholm, UniversityHerald Reporter

The NCAA is ready to let student-athletes eat as much as they want.

According to ESPN, the largest governing body in college sports approved a proposal Tuesday that will give Division I student-athletes, walk-on or under scholarship, an unlimited meal plan. The board of directors meets next on April 24, where they will vote on the proposal and, if approved, the rule could go into effect as early as Aug. 1.

"Today we took action to provide meals to student-athletes incidental to participation," NCAA legislative council chair Mary Mulvenna said in a press release. "I think the end result is right where it needs to be."

Shabazz Napier first brought attention to the topic of sufficient food for Division I student-athletes. Before UConn's Sweet 16 game against Iowa State, he told reporters he sometimes went to bed hungry and then reiterated his point after the Huskies beat Kentucky for the National Championship.

Concerned some its athletes cannot afford food after what their meal plan provides them the NCAA reacted immediately. The proposal was reportedly debated for months before approved by the NCAA.

College sports are headed toward change, but NCAA president Mark Emmert wants to make it on his own terms. Since the National Labor Relations Board in Chicago ruled the Northwestern football team members are considered employees, they could form a union to negotiate benefits. The NCAA is also considering giving Division I "power conference" schools more autonomy to cover student-athlete expenses beyond the cost of attendance.

As Napier pointed out, student-athletes need more than three square meals a day given their rigorous athletic schedules. The NCAA is also encouraging school presidents to oppose student-athlete unions to curb more teams from trying to start one.

According to the NCAA press release, the legislative council also voted on the following:

•  Require strength and conditioning coaches to be certified from a nationally accredited certification body;
•  Require a school staff member certified in CPR, first aid and arterial external defibrillation to be present at all physical, countable athletic activities;
•  Reduce the penalty for a first positive test for street drugs during championships; and
•  Require football players to rest for at least three hours between practices during the preseason. Film review and team meetings will be allowed during this period.

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