AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49, relative to school nutrition.
Impact
Under this bill, the state is required to reimburse local education agencies (LEAs) the costs associated with serving free breakfasts and lunches, accounting for any private funding and available federal resources from programs such as the National School Lunch Program. The legislation encourages LEAs to maximize available federal funding and mandates that all eligible LEAs apply for the community eligibility provision under the national school lunch program, which fosters a more comprehensive support system for students in need of food assistance.
Summary
House Bill 2652 is an act aimed at amending Title 49 of the Tennessee Code Annotated to enhance school nutrition provisions within the state. The bill mandates that each local school board establish programs that provide free school lunches and breakfasts to all students enrolled in the schools under their jurisdiction. This provision represents a significant step towards ensuring that students have access to adequate nutrition during the school day, which is foundational for their academic performance and well-being.
Contention
Discussion around HB 2652 may focus on how the bill revises existing state nutrition laws and its potential financial implications for the state budget. While advocates praise the initiative for addressing hunger and supporting student learning, there might be concerns about the sustainability of state funding to cover the reimbursement costs. Additionally, ensuring that all eligible students are enrolled in the programs might pose challenges to LEAs in terms of outreach and administration.