Minnesota Free School Meals Program serves over 150 million meals in first year

In the first year of the Minnesota Free School Meals Program, more than 150 million meals were served to students. This saved Minnesota families approximately $1,000 per student. Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan highlighted the impact on Wednesday.

“As a former teacher, I know that learning has everything to do with how our kids are set up for success outside the classroom. By providing breakfast and lunch at school every day, we’re ensuring our children are prepared to learn,” said Governor Walz. “In partnership with the Minnesota Department of Education, we’re setting our students up for success, reducing grocery bills, and making mornings a little easier for families.”

Lieutenant Governor Flanagan celebrated the success of the program by serving breakfast to students at Oak View Elementary.

“I am proud to be celebrating the first year of our free school meals program,” said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. “When our kids are fed, they are better able to focus, learn, and tackle their busy days. By providing free breakfast and lunch at school, we’re nurturing our children, saving families thousands of dollars, investing in the long term future of Minnesota, and creating the best state in the country for kids.”

According to the Minnesota Department of Education, there was a 15% increase in the number of school lunches in one year. School lunches served during the 2023-24 school year increased by 13.6 million meals compared to the same time period the year prior. There were 13.8 million more school breakfasts served, a 40% increase.

“Minnesota’s commitment to feeding our kids is a commitment to their learning and development,” said Commissioner Jett. “Thank you to school staff for your dedication to providing high-quality, nutritious meals to students. Your hard work has led to more kids getting meals, giving them the foundation they need for a healthy day at school.”

RELATED: Governor Walz signs bill for free universal school meals

Free School Meals for Kids was signed into law by Governor Walz in March 2023. It allows students to get both breakfast and lunch at no cost at schools that participate in both the federal National School Lunch Program and the federal School Breakfast Program.

All public school districts in Minnesota participate in the Minnesota Free School Meals Program. An additional 167 charter schools and 163 private schools or residential child care institutions also participate in the program.

More information on the Minnesota Free School Meals Program, including the first year preliminary summary, can be found at this link.