Governor Gretchen Whitmer is a lifelong Michigander. She is a lawyer, an educator, former prosecutor, State Representative and Senator. She was the first woman to lead a Senate caucus. But the most important title she boasts is MOM. Inspired by her family, she’s devoted her life to building a stronger Michigan for everyone.
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October 01, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 1, 2025
Contact: press@michigan.gov
Governor Whitmer, State Superintendent Rice Urge Michigan School Districts to Continue Free School Meals for All
LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer and State Superintendent Dr. Michael Rice sent a letter to Michigan superintendents, calling on them to continue feeding kids free school meals. The letter comes after some Michigan school districts notified parents their kids will not receive free school breakfasts or lunches due to uncertainty about funding in the state budget. As the Michigan Legislature finalizes the full fiscal-year state budget in the coming days, Governor Whitmer and Dr. Rice implored superintendents to do what it takes to feed all their students.
"Two summers ago, I was proud to deliver free school meals to all 1.4 million public-school students, saving parents around $1,000 a year per kid and time each morning,” said Governor Whitmer. “Since then, we have consistently funded free school meals, saving Michigan families time, money, and worry. As we continue pushing the Michigan Legislature to finalize a balanced budget that feeds our kids, as they’ve said they would, I am calling on our school districts to do what it takes to feed every student today, tomorrow, and every single school day after that too.”
“Over the last two years, with lessons drawn from the pandemic, school staff across the state have expanded substantially the numbers of children eating breakfast and lunch at school and who are healthier as a result,” said Michael F. Rice, Ph.D., Superintendent of Public Instruction for the State of Michigan. “The Michigan Department of Education is appreciative of the support of the state legislature and Governor Whitmer for the Michigan School Meals Program and of the opportunity to partner with local food service staff, directors, and educators to ensure that all children can eat free at school. Let’s keep feeding our kids.”
Free School Meals for All
In 2023, Governor Whitmer signed a balanced, bipartisan budget delivering free school breakfast and lunch to all 1.4 million public school students in Michigan. Free school meals save parents valuable time every morning, around $1,000 a year per kid, and ensure no child goes hungry while they learn.
Since 2023, the Whitmer-Gilchrist administration has continued to negotiate and deliver free school meals for all students across Michigan. The FY26 budget will be no different. In the days ahead, the Michigan Legislature will pass a balanced, bipartisan budget. Republicans and Democrats have already reached a deal on key elements of the school aid bill, including continued funding for free school meals for all.
To view the full letter, click here.
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