MICHIGAN, USA — Michigan students will continue to eat free lunches into the 2024-2025 school year.
The state began giving out school meals in the 2023-24 school year. In its inaugural year, the program provided over 76.3 million breakfasts and 135.6 million lunches.
Now, state leaders just announced it's back for a second year.
The 1.4 million Michigan kids enrolled in public school will again have access to free nutritious meals. It's thanks to a $200 million appropriation 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,” said State Superintendent Dr. Michael F. Rice. “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.”
The program also supports Michigan's agriculture and economy, leaders say. Schools can participate in 10 Cents a Meal, a program funded by the state school aid budget. Districts can get an extra 10 cents per meal reimbursed when local produce is served in school meals.
