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PREVIOUS: NASHVILLE, Tenn. – State Rep. Mike Sparks, R-Smyrna, has filed legislation to lower the cost of living for families in Rutherford County and across the Volunteer State. House Bill 2086, or the Fresh Food Affordability (FFA) Act, would eliminate the state sales tax on fresh fruits and vegetables in Tennessee.

"Our nation's economy is improving, but many Americans still feel the strain of high monthly expenses," said Sparks. "Eliminating the state sales tax on fresh fruits and vegetables delivers essential relief for hard-working Tennessee families at the checkout line. The Fresh Food Affordability Act benefits all residents by supporting our farmers, promoting healthier choices and putting more money back in the pockets of Tennesseans."

Most food and food ingredients, including fresh fruits and vegetables, are taxed at 4% in Tennessee, in addition to the local sales tax rate, which ranges from 1% to 2.75%.

House Bill 2086 will encourage Tennesseans to make healthier choices amid alarming trends in diet-related health.

Thirty-eight percent of Tennessee adults are considered obese, according to the American Diabetes Association. Nearly 40% of Tennessee students were overweight or obese in the 2023-24 academic year, a report from the Tennessee Department of Health and the Tennessee Department of Education revealed.

Tennessee's Republican supermajority has provided $5.2 billion in tax relief since 2012, including a three-month grocery tax holiday in 2023. In 2017, lawmakers passed the IMPROVE Act, which lowered the state's grocery tax from 5% to 4%.

Tennessee is among the lowest-taxed states in the nation and collects zero state income tax. The Volunteer State has been named the easiest state to save money because of its low tax burden and cost of living.

If approved by the General Assembly, House Bill 2086 would take effect July 1, 2026.

State Rep. Mike Sparks lives in Smyrna and represents House District 49, which includes part of Rutherford County.