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May 21, 2026
LANSING – The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) is advocating for the Legislature to codify into state law the Michigan School Meals program that provides free breakfast and lunch to all students in grades pre-kindergarten-12 every school day.
The Michigan School Meals program continues to increase the number of K-12 school students welcomed to the breakfast and lunch table with healthy and nutritious meals, many of them Michigan-made products.
During a recent State Board of Education meeting, state and local district officials presented an update on school meals efforts and discussed the health, academic and economic benefits of the program and making it part of state law. Currently, the Michigan School Meals program needs to be approved every year in the state budget because there’s not a state law requiring it.
“Michigan School Meals is aligned with Goal 3 of Michigan’s Top 10 Strategic Education Plan,” said State Superintendent Dr. Glenn Maleyko. “The goal aims to improve the health, safety, and wellness of all learners. We are committed to achieving that goal.”
Dr. Diane Golzynski, MDE deputy superintendent for the Division of Business, Health, and Library Services, told board members that a law codifying the Michigan School Meals program would allow districts to better plan without having to worry every year whether funding will be in the state budget.
Michigan is one of only nine states in the nation that offers a statewide free meal program for all public school students. This year, the program expanded to nonpublic schools that were already serving breakfast and lunch. Michigan School Meals provides free breakfast and lunch to students in pre-kindergarten through grade 12 in participating schools. It is a federal- and state-funded reimbursement program that covers the cost for all students, regardless of household income.
The percentage of Michigan students who have eaten school breakfast rose 37% from the 2022-23 to 2025-26 school years. Similarly, the percentage of Michigan students who have eaten school lunch rose 32% from 2022-23 to 2025-26.
“More Michigan students are benefitting by enjoying breakfast and lunch through our school meals programs without the worry of money in their pockets or in their student accounts,” Golzynski said. “And when they are nourished without stigma, they have a greater opportunity to learn.”
Universal free school meals not only address hunger but also strengthen student health and educational outcomes, benefiting the entire school community and Michigan farmers and food producers.
Research shows that school meals are the most nutritious meals children receive, with higher intakes of fruits, vegetables, and milk and lower intakes of unhealthy snacks than for students who eat school meals, according to the Food Research & Action Center. The center also says that universal access helps close nutrient gaps, reduce obesity rates and lower the risk of chronic diseases.
When schools don’t need to verify individual income eligibility, nutrition staff can focus on serving healthy, appealing meals without stigmatizing students.
Universal free meals help create a supportive atmosphere where all students—regardless of socioeconomic status—can thrive academically and socially, the Center for Science in the Public Interest says.
With student enrollment of about 25,000 students, about 41% of Utica Community Schools students enjoy free or reduced meals offered by the local school district throughout 38 school sites. It is the second largest school district in Michigan.
“With Michigan School Meals over the past three years, we ensured that all students, regardless of family income, have access to nutritious meals,” said Mandy Sosnowski, director of Food and Nutrition Services, Utica Community Schools.
Mary Darnton, food service director at Jenison Public Schools and Hudsonville Public Schools, described a similar approach.
“We have a core set of beliefs that guide our team,” Darnton said. “First, we put the child at the center of our decision-making. We focus on the food on the plate and we honor the hands that do the work.”
Find more information on the Michigan School Meals webpage.
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