[ST. PAUL, MN] – During National School Breakfast Week, Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan today announced that nearly 4.3 million more breakfasts and 4.5 million more lunches were served to students last fall by the free school meals program than in the same period in 2022. Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan were joined by USDA Food and Nutrition Service Administrator Cindy Long to make the announcement and serve breakfast to students at Fridley Middle School.

“The data is clear: more students are eating breakfast and lunch at school, ensuring they have the food they need to succeed and helping families save money on their grocery bills,” said Governor Walz. “This investment is a win for our kids, our families, and the long-term success of our state.”

“I’m proud that more students than ever are eating school breakfast thanks to our free school meals program,” said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. “For growing kids, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. In Minnesota, our students are getting the food they need to fuel their busy days, no questions asked and at no cost to families. This is how we’re making Minnesota the best state for kids.”

According to the Minnesota Department of Education, the number of school breakfasts served between September-November last fall increased by 4.3 million meals compared to the same time period in 2022, for a 37% increase. The number of school lunches served to students last fall increased by 4.5 million meals compared to the previous school year, for a 15% increase.

The Free School Meals program, passed in the 2023 legislative session, is a state-funded program that provides reimbursement to schools for meals served to students who do not qualify for free or reduced-price meals, so all students receive meals at no cost. School districts, charter schools, nonpublic schools, and other participants approved for the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program may participate in the Free School Meals program.

Schools have up to 60 days to report their monthly meal counts for reimbursement.