Belmont University Research Symposium (BURS)

Publication Date

2024

College

Health Sciences & Nursing, Gordon E. Inman College of

Department

Social Work, Department of

BURS Faculty Advisor

Sabrina Sullenberger

Presentation Type

Oral Presentation

Abstract

In 2022, more than 13 million children went to school hungry in the United States. According to the USDA, 1 in 5 children do not know where their next meal is coming from (Child Hunger in America, n.d.). In Tennessee, this number is 1 in 4 (Hance, 2020). Far too many students come from households where they may not have access to regular, nutritious meals. Hunger can significantly impact a child's ability to learn and thrive in school. By providing free breakfast and lunch, schools can ensure that students have access to essential nutrition, which can improve their academic performance and overall well-being. Poverty is an issue that strikes families of color in our country at extremely disproportionate rates (Human Rights Watch, 2023). This disproportion did not happen by chance, it came about after decades of institutional racism and inequity. Tennessee House of Representative Bill 1844 and Senate Bill 1790 seek to establish a school meal program that provides free breakfast and lunch to each student enrolled in a school under the board's jurisdiction, as well as require the state to reimburse each local education agency 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. This legislation aligns with the professional values of Social Work as delineated by the National Association of Social Workers. Social workers should actively support this legislation because it addresses fundamental issues of health equity, social justice, and educational access. By advocating for such policies, social workers play a crucial role in promoting the well-being and academic success of children and families, ultimately contributing to building healthier, more equitable communities.

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