Minnesota passes School Meals for All

Starting this fall, all students across Minnesota will have access to free school breakfast and lunch. Every day. No questions asked.

Why school meals make a difference

When we make breakfast and lunch free for all students, everyone stands to gain. First and foremost, students get the fuel they need – but the benefits don’t stop there.

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Better educational outcomes

Ever been hangry? It’s a no-brainer that when students get consistent, nutritious meals, they have more energy, more focus, and more curiosity in the classroom.

Reduce stigma

When all students have equal access to the same nutritious meal, the cafeteria becomes a place of bonding and refueling instead of stigma and shame.

Improve equity

Hunger impacts every part of the state, but especially BIPOC communities. Free school meals are an essential step to a more equitable education system.

Nourish healthy development

When food access varies across families, students don’t start from the same line. Free school meals give students the nourishment they need to give school their best shot.

Nutrition Facts

Kids are going hungry
1 in 6 Minnesota children is food-insecure – but hunger is a solvable issue.

1:6

25%

Left to fend for themselves
1 in 4 food-insecure kids doesn’t qualify for financial help with school meals, because means-tested programs always leave somebody behind.

87/87

Every corner of the state
Urban, suburban, and rural – food-insecurity impacts kids and families in every county in Minnesota.

$2

A smart investment
It costs Minnesota less than $2 per student, per day to provide school meals at no cost to kids and families.

Mission Nutrition

After years of hard work, free school meals for all Minnesota students have been signed into law. But what does this mean for Minnesota families?

Here’s what you can expect:

The universal school meal policy goes into effect for the 2023-2024 academic year for all Minnesota schools participating in the National School Lunch Program – public, private, and charter alike.
This means all students will receive one free breakfast and one free lunch each school day. Kids are still welcome to bring their lunch from home, if that’s what they prefer!
More questions about how free school meals will work for kids and families? Feel free to contact your school or school district directly.

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Contact

Leah Gardner
Policy Director, Hunger Solutions Minnesota
lgardner@hungersolutions.org
651-789-9850

For media inquiries, contact:
Jennifer Trebisovsky
jennifer.trebisovsky@gmail.com