Georgia

Georgia is the 8th most populous state, with a K-12 enrollment of nearly 1.7 million students. According to Feeding America, 1 in 5 children in Georgia experience food insecurity—an issue that affects academic performance, focus, and overall health.

In 2023, House Bill 510—which would have provided free school meals to all students—passed both chambers of the state legislature but was ultimately vetoed by the governor. Despite that setback, efforts to expand access to school meals continue. In 2025, Representative Imani Barnes introduced House Bill 60, known as the Healthy Start Act. This bill aims to provide state funding to cover the cost of reduced-price meals under existing federal guidelines, helping more students access nutritious food at school.

FoodCorps and our partners continue to advocate for policies that prioritize student health and access to school meals across Georgia.