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May 16, 2025
LANSING– With a recent federal effort that would significantly reduce the number of students who qualify for free or reduced-price breakfasts and lunches, local and state officials are continuing to speak to the importance of Michigan school meal programs and the role that the programs play in academic achievement and performance.
Michigan Department of Education (MDE) officials and a local nutrition director offered an update on vital food services during this week’s State Board of Education meeting.
Some members of Congress have called for cuts that would make it more difficult for schools to offer universal free meals. If the proposed cuts are enacted, millions of students across the nation would no longer be eligible for free meals, according to the Food Research & Action Center, a nonprofit anti-hunger advocacy group.
“Nutrition and wellness education are essential to help build strong and healthy communities,” said Ms. Mandy Sosnowski, director of food and nutrition services, Utica Community Schools. “Because of Michigan School Meals, we were able to hire a registered dietitian that not only focuses on nutrition education in the classroom but also holds community wellness events.”
When it comes to the Michigan School Meals program, Sosnowski said her school district has witnessed a 63% increase in the number of breakfasts served and a 69% increase in the number of lunches served.
Through the Michigan School Meals program, state and federal investments in Michigan public schools provide one breakfast and one lunch at no cost to all public school students. Federal funding is maximized and state funding makes up the difference. Michigan is one of eight states that provides universal free meals to students.
Michigan School Meals are nutritious and delicious and meet stringent federal nutrition guidelines for the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program. Home-grown products are incorporated into menus through state and federal grants and programs, including Michigan’s nationally recognized 10 Cents a Meal program.
10 Cents a Meal for Michigan's Kids & Farms provides schools, early care and education centers, and other organizations participating in USDA Child Nutrition programs with grant funds to pay for Michigan-grown food.
The benefits include eliminating lunch shaming and meal debt and decreasing administrative burden on schools.
“Students who benefit from nutritious meals during the school year and the summer have a better opportunity to achieve and to perform well in school,” said State Superintendent Dr. Michael F. Rice. "The Michigan Department of Education’s food and nutrition efforts are a part of Goal 3 of Michigan's Top 10 Strategic Education Plan, which focuses on strategies designed to improve the health, safety, and wellness of all learners.”
For more information about MDE-sponsored food and nutrition programs, please visit the Office of Nutrition Services website.
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