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March 03, 2025
Michigan Offers Free Meals to All Public School Students
LANSING – Did you know that Michigan is one of only eight states that offers a statewide free meal program for all public school students?
In Michigan, this program is known as Michigan School Meals.
With that in mind, the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) is marking Monday, March 3, through Friday, March 7, as National School Breakfast Week. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s fiscal year 2026 budget proposal includes continuation of the Michigan School Meals program into a third year.
Michigan School Meals are nutritious and delicious and promote students eating fruits and vegetables every day as part of their meals, which also include whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy.
“The reality is that for far too many Michigan families, the opportunity for a student to have a healthy breakfast is a challenge,” said State Superintendent Dr. Michael F. Rice. “School breakfast programs play a vital role in helping to increase student achievement.”
Dr. Diane Golzynski, MDE deputy superintendent for Business, Health, and Library Services, said celebrating National School Breakfast Week is important.
“Not only are school meal programs good for students and families but they are also important for the Michigan economy, especially for state farmers and producers,” Golzynski said.
Since the start of Michigan School Meals in the 2023-24 school year, 31% more students are eating breakfast at school, with average daily participation increasing to 375,956 students in October 2024. Twenty-five percent more students are eating lunch at school.
In addition, 74% of Michigan schools saw an increase in the number of students eating breakfast because of Michigan School Meals. Middle schools and high schools saw the greatest increase in students eating breakfast. In fact, 50% of middle schools and 48% of high schools had at least double the number of students eating breakfast every day as compared to those before Michigan School Meals.
The National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program are administered by MDE through funds from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and are available to children ages 18 and under.
To learn more about the School Breakfast Program, visit the School Breakfast Program. To learn more about the Michigan School Meals program, visit Michigan School Meals.
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