Federal bill would prevent students who are in the country without legal status from receiving free or reduced-price school mealsFederal bill would prevent students who are in the country without legal status from receiving free or reduced-price school meals

This week, a new federal bill would restrict free and reduced-price meal access to students. And at the state level, Tennessee lawmakers introduced a bill that would cover the cost of reduced-price meals at school and a Senator in Oklahoma wants to continue providing extra reimbursement to schools who source local products for their meals. 

Here’s the latest in school nutrition legislation 

Federal bill would shut out students who are in the country without legal status from receiving free or reduced-price school meals

A federal bill introduced by Senator Mike Lee would restrict certain students from accessing free or reduced-price meals. 

Under The America First Act, students who are in the country without legal status would no longer qualify for free or reduced-price meals at school. Students with temporary protected status, deferred action or parole would also not be eligible to receive the meals. 

The bill has been referred to the Committee on Finance and a companion bill was introduced in the House. 

Tennessee bill would eliminate reduced-price meal category

A bill in Tennessee would expand universal school meal access for students. 

Under SB 740, students who qualify for reduced-price meals at school would receive those meals for free. 

If it were to become law, Tennessee would join other states, including Connecticut in covering reduced price meals for students. A companion bill has been introduced in the House. 

Tennessee lawmakers are also considering another bill this legislative session that would expand free meals at school. HB0012, which was filed for introduction in the state House, would provide free breakfast and lunch to all students regardless of their family’s income level. 

Oklahoma Senator wants to continue providing reimbursement to schools who go local 

An Oklahoma lawmaker is looking to continue to increase the number of local products in school meals. 

Senator Thompson recently introduced SB 985, which would permit the state’s Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry to continue its Oklahoma Local Food for Schools Program. The program, which was established during the pandemic using federal funding, offered schools addition meal reimbursement if they used products that were sourced in the state.  

During its first year, over 240 school districts and 70 Oklahoma producers participated in the program, according to a press release from Thompson. 

“Connecting schools with local farmers and processors ensures students get fresh, healthy meals while supporting Oklahoma’s agriculture industry,” Thompson said in a statement. “Studies show that kids who develop healthy and balanced eating habits at a young age have improved academic outcomes and better physical and mental health throughout their lives. Continuing the Oklahoma Local Food for Schools program is a no-brainer to help our kids, our agribusinesses and our state.”