More than 150 million meals were served in the program’s first year, saving families thousands of dollars

ST. PAUL, MN - Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan today announced that Minnesota schools served more than 150 million meals to students in the first year of the Minnesota Free School Meals Program. The program saved Minnesota families approximately $1,000 per student. To celebrate the success, Lieutenant Governor Flanagan visited Oak View Elementary to serve breakfast to students. Photos of the Lieutenant Governor’s visit are available on Flickr.

“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.”

“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, the number of school lunches served during the 2023-24 school year increased by 13.6 million meals compared to the same time period in 2022 – 2023, a 15 percent increase. The number of school breakfasts served to students last fall increased by 13.8 million meals compared to the previous school year, a 40 percent 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.”

Governor Walz signed Free School Meals for Kids into law in March 2023, to help make sure no student goes hungry, lower costs for families, and remove stigma from the cafeteria. The legislation allows students to get breakfast and lunch at no cost at schools that participate in both the federal National School Lunch Program and 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 Minnesota Free School Meals Program.

Paired with the success of this summer’s inaugural Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer program, Minnesota is ensuring families are supported and kids are well-nourished year-round. For more information, visit Minnesota Free School Meals: First Year Preliminary Summary .