LANSING — Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that her administration has secured funding to continue free school meals for students across the state. The funding from the recently passed education budget, will save the average family $850 per year, allow students to be more productive in school by ensuring they have proper nutrition.
“As a parent, I remember the chaos of weekday mornings when you’re just trying to get your kids out the door and off to school on time,” said Governor Whitmer. “In the budget for next school year, we are reducing that burden on Michigan families by providing free breakfast and lunch for every student throughout the school year and over the summer too. Free school meals save parents $850 per year per kid and valuable time every morning. When students are fed, they can focus better in class. Let’s keep working together to feed our kids and ensure every family has the support they need to thrive.”
The recently passed budget allocates funding to ensure that free school breakfasts and lunches throughout the school year will continue to be available to students next year. It is projected that Michigan schools will have served 76.3 million breakfasts and 135.6 million lunches to students throughout the 2023-2024 school year.
“As a dad of three, I know how important it is for my children to be able to focus on learning and growing at school, just like every parent.” said Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist II. “That’s why Governor Whitmer and I have continued to fight for Michigan’s students, ensuring all 1.4 million of them get free breakfast and lunch during the school year. We’ll continue to fight for Michigan’s students all year long.”
A release from the Whitmer administration listed Governor Whitmer’s education accomplishments since taking office:
- Since taking office, Governor Whitmer has raised per-pupil funding by 26%.
- Signing budgets that opened 100 school-based health clinics, expanded access to before and after-school programs, increased on-campus mental health professionals
- Signing a bill that assists schools with providing funds for school security, technology, transportation, and facility upgrades.
