[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz today signed into law a bill providing free school breakfast and lunch for all Minnesota students at participating schools. The Governor and Lieutenant Governor were joined by legislators, students, and advocates at Webster Elementary in Northeast Minneapolis to celebrate the bill signing.

“As a former teacher, I know that providing free breakfast and lunch for our students is one of the best investments we can make to lower costs, support Minnesota’s working families, and care for our young learners and the future of our state,” said Governor Walz. “This bill puts us one step closer to making Minnesota the best state for kids to grow up, and I am grateful to all of the legislators and advocates for making it happen.”

“As someone who grew up with a different colored lunch ticket, I know that there are too many children who go hungry at school and experience shame in the lunchroom,” said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. “By providing free breakfast and lunch to all students, we are removing stigma in the lunchroom, helping family pocketbooks, investing in the health and well-being of our children, and ensuring that no student goes hungry for any reason. Today is a really good day for our students and families.”

Chapter 18, House File 5 uses state funds, after the application of all available federal funds, to provide free school breakfast and free school lunch to Minnesota students in all participating schools, regardless of their family income.