School lunch bill moves through TN legislature

The Tennessee legislature is working on a bill that would require all schools in the state to provide free breakfast and lunch for students of eligible families. The legislation would also require the state to reimburse school systems if they should have to pay more than what federal funds provide. The bill comes as Congress considers a proposal that would cut the number of schools eligible for the Community Eligibility Provision program which allows schools to provide free meals to all students. If the bill becomes law, it would take effect July 1 and be applied to the 2025-26 school year.