What Do Free Meals Mean for Your School?

On Friday, March 17, 2023, Gov. Walz signed the Free School Meals bill into law. The legislation, which takes effect July 1, 2023, provides reimbursement for a free breakfast and lunch to students. Beginning next fall, schools that participate in the USDA's National School Lunch Program must participate in the state-funded Free School Meals Program and provide BOTH breakfast and lunch to all students.

We are confident in our ability to lead our clients through this major change given our strong relationships with MDE staff, experience with universal free meal programs through the Community Eligibility Provision and during COVID distance learning, and extensive communications and training systems.

If your school operates under the National School Lunch Program but does not currently offer school breakfast, talk with your Client Services Manager about the various service options (cafeteria service, breakfast-in-the-classroom, or grab-and-go near building entrances) and which fits best for your school. CKC has extensive experience with school breakfast and can help your school add breakfast while minimizing the burden on you and your staff.

Even though meals will be free at schools participating in the National School Lunch Program, we know that food quality and menu variety are as important as ever to sustain high participation. Scholars will only eat food they enjoy, regardless of the cost.

The Minnesota Department of Education has begun outlining processes and procedures for free meals, however, many questions remain. The Department is continuing to update this Q&A on the Free School Meals Program. We recommend you read it now and check back frequently.

Continue to watch for more information from MDE and CKC!