Stay tuned in the coming weeks as YOUR voice is needed to urge Michigan lawmakers to ensure healthy school meals for all students is included in the final budget.
hero_image_alt_text===kid in school lunch line
thumbnail===https://assets.nationbuilder.com/yourethecure/pages/29560/attachments/original/1676493576/boy%20in%20cafeteria--cropped%201280.jpg?1676493576
thumbnail_alt_text===kid in school lunch line
Federal child nutrition waivers passed during the pandemic decreased child hunger and poverty, allowing all students to have access to free school meals. That funding has expired, and now children who depended on it are going hungry again.
Some states have stepped up to fill in the gap and ensure that all public school children, regardless of family income, can obtain healthy meals throughout the year and have the best chance to learn and thrive in school. California, Colorado and Maine have already passed legislation to ensure no child goes hungry.
We're excited to share that Michigan may be next!
Governor Whitmer has included funding in her executive budget recommendation for "$160 million to help students thrive by providing free breakfast and lunch to all of Michigan's 1.4 million public school students."
Food insufficiency drops among students who participate in the National School Lunch Program's free or reduced priced meals. And participation by all students in school meal programs increases when meals are provided for free, resulting in increased revenue by way of federal reimbursements.
In addition, we know that students who eat school lunches tend to have increased attendance, better success in the classroom and fewer behavioral problems.
These are just a few of the many reasons to celebrate this proposal.
Stay tuned in the coming weeks as YOUR voice is needed to urge Michigan lawmakers to ensure healthy school meals for all students is included in the final budget.
With Heart,
Collin McDonough and Melissa Brown
Your MI Advocacy Team
Showing 2 reactions