Michigan Schools Face Uncertainty Over Free Meals Amid Budget Stalemate

As the 2025-2026 school year approaches, uncertainty looms over free school meal programs in Michigan due to a budget stalemate in the state legislature. Michigan has yet to pass its K-12 budget, which includes funding for the Michigan School Meals program that provided free breakfast and lunch to about 1.4 million students, a program started during the COVID-19 pandemic and reinstated in 2023-2024. State Superintendent Michael Rice urged districts to continue offering free meals despite the funding uncertainty, noting that state funding runs out September 30 and cautioning against sudden withdrawal from the program since federal provisions require consistency throughout the school year. Some districts like Michigan Center have announced free meals will be guaranteed only until early October, relying on federal guidelines thereafter, while others like Okemos Public Schools have already ceased providing free meals due to the budget impasse. In contrast, districts such as Marshall County, Michigan, and Sulphur Springs ISD in Texas have secured funding through local levies and federal programs like the Community Eligibility Provision, allowing them to continue offering free meals to all students regardless of income, helping reduce stigma and support student nutrition. The ongoing budget delay in Michigan threatens to disrupt access to free school meals, which are vital for student health, attendance, and academic performance, and also support local agriculture through programs incentivizing the use of Michigan-grown produce.