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SB 1809

Local Education Agencies - As introduced, requires each local school board to establish a school lunch program and a school breakfast program that provide a free breakfast and lunch to each student enrolled in a school under the board's jurisdiction; requires the state to reimburse each LEA for the cost of providing a free breakfast and lunch to each student enrolled in the LEA after all available federal funds have been applied. - Amends TCA Title 49.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Sara Kyle

Tennessee would mandate free breakfast and lunch for all public school students, with state funding covering costs after federal reimbursement.

Action deferred in Senate Education Committee to 3/18/2026
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Bill Summary · SB 1809

Legislative bill overview

SB 1809 mandates that Tennessee school boards provide free breakfast and lunch to all enrolled students. The state would reimburse school districts for these meal costs after federal funding sources are exhausted, creating a universal free meal program statewide.

Why is this important

Currently, meal subsidies depend on family income, leaving some students without affordable access to nutrition during the school day. Universal free meals could improve student attendance, academic performance, and food security while standardizing nutrition access across all Tennessee schools regardless of socioeconomic status.

Potential points of contention

  • State budget impact: Requires significant state appropriations to cover gaps after federal reimbursement, with costs potentially ranging in hundreds of millions annually depending on enrollment and meal prices
  • Federal funding interactions: Relies on federal programs continuing at current levels; changes to USDA reimbursement rates or child nutrition programs could shift costs entirely to the state
  • Implementation logistics: School districts vary in kitchen capacity and infrastructure; smaller rural districts may face disproportionate operational challenges managing increased meal volume
  • Program sustainability: No dedicated funding mechanism specified; vulnerable to future budget cuts during economic downturns

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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