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Universal free meals drive soaring student participation, with over 240,000 more children eating at school daily.
Michigan School Meals Uptake Surges Under Universal Free Program
LANSING—The number of Michigan public school students eating breakfast and lunch at school skyrocketed in the 2023-24 school year, the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) reported. Student participation in school breakfasts jumped 26%, with lunches seeing a 20% increase. This sharp rise follows the launch of Michigan’s universal free school meals program, which offers all 1.4 million public school students complimentary breakfast and lunch each day.
The initiative, signed into law by Governor Gretchen Whitmer, aims to tackle both food insecurity and academic challenges, saving families hundreds of dollars per child annually on grocery costs. “This program allows every child to eat without stigma, ensuring they are well-nourished and ready to learn,” Whitmer said. “We know kids do better in school with a full stomach, and this program is making a real difference.”
Daily participation in school breakfast surged by nearly 100,000 students, reaching 477,000, while lunch consumption rose by over 140,000 students to 867,000—a combined increase of 240,000 students benefiting from the program.
Families Save Money While Schools and Farmers Reap Benefits
The Michigan School Meals program, funded by state and federal dollars, is estimated to save families about $850 per child in grocery expenses each year. It also boosts local economies by funneling more money into Michigan’s agricultural and food service sectors. Michigan ranks second nationwide in providing fruits and vegetables through federal food programs, including the Department of Defense’s fresh produce initiative.
Schools ordered over 8 million cases of food from Gordon Food Service during the 2023-24 school year, up from 6.9 million the previous year, further highlighting the program’s positive economic ripple effect.
State Superintendent Michael F. Rice emphasized that access to nutritious meals aligns with Michigan’s Top Ten Strategic Education Plan by promoting students’ health and wellness. “Our goal is not just to feed students but to help them thrive academically by ensuring they have access to healthy meals,” Rice said.
Districts Report Significant Growth in Participation
Schools across Michigan are experiencing noticeable improvements. Utica Community Schools served nearly one million breakfasts and over two million lunches, averaging more than 16,800 meals daily.
Brandywine Middle/Senior High School in Southwest Michigan saw a 125% jump in breakfast participation, with the daily average rising from 35 to 79 students. Superintendent Travis Walker noted the connection between nutrition and academic success, highlighting a district-wide 30% increase in breakfast participation. “A healthy start to the day boosts energy and concentration, making a difference in both the classroom and students’ overall well-being,” Walker said.
Broader Context: Michigan Among Pioneers in Universal Meals
Michigan joins just seven other states—including California, Minnesota, and Colorado—in offering statewide free meals to all students. With a budget allocation exceeding $200 million, the program ensures no child is left hungry regardless of family income, eliminating stigma and easing financial burdens on parents.
The success of Michigan’s program could encourage other states to follow suit as concerns over child hunger and the cost of living continue to rise across the U.S.
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