Free and Reduced-price Meals at School might be Reduced

The Education and Workforce Committee voted this week to back the bill that some Republicans have backed. The bill would have fewer students receiving free and reduced-price meals at school. The legislation would allow a trial period of so-called block grants for school meals in three states — meaning those states would no longer receive unlimited federal dollars for students who qualify for the free and reduced-price lunches, and states wouldn’t have to follow most federal nutrition standards.
The legislation, which the full House will consider, would also roll back some healthier school nutrition rules championed by first lady Michelle Obama.
Some schools say they are too restrictive and the healthier meals are not appetizing enough to students. Four schools in Coffee County would be effected; Deerfield Elementary, East Coffee, Hickerson Elementary and Hillsboro Elementary. In Manchester; Westwood Elementary and in Tullahoma, Bel Aire, East Lincoln Street, Farrar and Robert E. Lee.
The measure still has to go to the full legislature before it can become law. Congressman Jim Cooper said that nearly 25% of Tennessee children suffer from hunger. Some school leaders say that for many students, school meals are the only food they get each day.