As students in Roane County returned to class this Monday, they were met with a significant upgrade to their daily routine: free breakfast and lunch for everyone, with no applications, income requirements, or questions asked.

According to a report by WVLT, the district-wide initiative is powered by the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), a federal program under the National School Lunch Act. To qualify for the program, a school district must have at least 25% of its student body already enrolled in federal nutrition assistance programs, such as SNAP or Medicaid. Roane County easily met this threshold, joining a large roster of qualifying districts across East Tennessee, including Knox, Anderson, and Cumberland counties.

For local school officials, the universal meal program is about much more than just feeding hungry children; it is about fostering an inclusive environment.

Roane County Schools Nutrition Director Megan Adams emphasized that scrapping the traditional paperwork process removes the social barriers historically tied to free and reduced-price lunches.

“It eliminates any stigma around the free or reduced lunch,” Adams explained. “Everyone gets to eat free. Every kid does deserve a free meal… they do deserve nutrition, a healthy meal, and we’re glad we get to offer that at no cost.”

On the front lines of this initiative is Dyllis Springs Elementary Cafeteria Manager Nikki Yates, a 17-year veteran in child nutrition. Greeting students on their first day back with French toast, apples, and milk, Yates noted that her job goes far beyond simply dishing out food.

“My favorite part is the kids,” Yates said, reflecting on the handmade gifts and relationships she has built with students over the years. “You’ve got to think of it as you’re serving kids. You’re not just serving food.”