Governor’s Office: 150 Million Meals Served in First Year of Free School Lunch Program

Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan stopped by Oak View Elementary School in Maple Grove Wednesday morning to serve breakfast and share a big milestone. Kids received 150 million school meals over the program’s first full year.

Those meals come at no cost to the students. That’s thanks to the Free School Meals Program, signed into law in March 2023.

“I never doubted that this program would change lives, but now we have the incredible data to be able to back it up,” Flanagan said.

Flanagan serves breakfast to Oak View Elementary students.

The Minnesota Department of Education reported that the number of school lunches served increased by 13.6 million meals last school year, as compared to the 2022-23 school year. School breakfasts rose by 12.8 million meals in that same time period.

During a news conference, Flanagan said the program is saving families $1,000 a student. Parent Angie Passehl said it’s paying off in her busy household.

“It has definitely saved us thousands and thousands of dollars, especially my middle schooler,” Passehl said.

As a school secretary, Passehl said it is also paying off in the classroom.

“I’ve talked to those parents, and they’ve also said what a tremendous relief it is– knowing their kids are eating at least breakfast and lunch,” Passehl said.

Over Budget But Moving Forward

The program spent $267 million on the program over the last year. Though that surpassed what it was budgeted for, Flanagan said the state is committed to adjusting the plan and keeping it going.

“We clearly know what a difference this has made. So as we’re going into the next budget cycle, it will continue to be a priority for us,” Flanagan said.

In a news release, the Education Department said all public school districts participate in the free meal program. The release also said that 167 charter schools and 163 private schools or residential child care institutions also participate. 

The full preliminary summary is available on the Minnesota Department of Education’s website. 

Maple Grove