Legislation requiring the Department of Education to create a program providing free school breakfast and lunch to eligible students heard testimony this week in the Senate Education Committee. The 2023- 2024 Fiscal Year budget provided $160 million for free school breakfast and lunch, but it only applies to that fiscal year. This proposal would make it an ongoing program.
Key Points:
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- The bill was introduced by Senator Dayna Polehanki (D-Livonia).
- The meals would be provided to public school students in preschool through 12th grade, and those in special education programs until age 26.
- A school would apply to the department for acceptance into the program.
- A school must be approved if they meet a number of requirements, including participation in the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program, maximized Federal reimbursements, met all Federal and State standards in its school breakfast and lunch programs, among others.
- The Department estimates the yearly cost for the program would be $160 million.
Next Steps:
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- The bill remains before the Senate Education Committee for further consideration.
