This summer, the Michigan Legislature passed and Governor Whitmer signed into law a state budget that will provide no-cost school meals to all Michigan preK-12 public school students. As students headed back students headed back to the classroom this fall, we’ve already begun to see the impact of this historic move – which will increase the number of no-cost school meals served by approximately 18 million. It’s also estimated to save Michigan families $850 a year in school meal fees, critical at a time the price of food remains high.
But the funding is for just one budget year. Now, we need to make this important investment permanent. A bill, SB500, has already been introduced that will do just that, and No Kid Hungry Michigan and our partners urge the Legislature to move swiftly to pass this legislation.
Read our testimony here.
When kids have access to consistent, nutritious food through school meals, they can focus on learning, not their empty stomachs. They’re healthier, better able to focus in the classroom and miss fewer days of school. Join us in urging lawmakers to pass this bill now and help our children grow up smart, healthy and strong.