Watershed Voice Local, News, State

Michigan public schools extend free meals for students

Funding for the school meal program was secured through a $200 million appropriation in the fiscal year 2025 School Aid budget signed last month by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.​ (Watershed Voice file photo)

Michigan’s 1.4 million public school children will continue to have access to nutritious free meals through the Michigan School Meals program in the 2024-2025 school year.​

Funding for the program was secured through a $200 million appropriation in the fiscal year 2025 School Aid budget recently signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.​

“We are excited that public schools in Michigan can continue to offer all students free, healthy meals in their buildings during the upcoming school year,” State Superintendent Dr. Michael F. Rice said. “The Michigan School Meals program fosters successful student learning and aligns with Goal 3 of Michigan’s Top 10 Strategic Education Plan to improve the health, safety, and wellness of all learners.”​

Michigan began making school meals free to all children through the Michigan School Meals Program starting in the 2023-24 school year. Last school year, the program provided over 76.3 million breakfasts and 135.6 million lunches.​

The budget provides state reimbursement to schools for a free breakfast and lunch for public school students in school buildings that participate in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program. ​

Michigan School Meals also supports Michigan’s agriculture and economy. Michigan schools can participate in 10 Cents a Meal, a program funded by the state school aid budget. Ten Cents a Meal encourages schools to purchase Michigan-grown fruits, vegetables, and dry beans by giving schools an additional 10 cents per meal when local produce is served in school meals. ​

Participation in free school meal programs made available to public school children in participating Michigan School Meals buildings helps alleviate a financial burden for Michigan families while eliminating the negative stigma associated with participating in school meal programs.​

Although families do not need to pay for meals, they are asked to complete family income forms so their local schools may be eligible for additional educational funding. ​

For more information about the Michigan School Meals Program, contact [email protected].