Minnesota becomes fourth state to offer universal free school meals

Mar 20, 20230

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Surrounded by students at Webster Elementary in Minneapolis, Gov. Tim Walz celebrates the signing of a bill to provide universal school meals to Minnesota. The bill signed into law Friday, March 17, 2023, will go into effect the school year starting in the coming fall.Alex Derosier / Forum News Service

MINNEAPOLIS - Starting this fall, students at Minnesota schools will get free meals regardless of their ability to pay.

A bill signed into law Friday, March 17, by Gov. Tim Walz provides more than $800 million in funding for school lunches and breakfasts over the next four years. A free meals program was one of the top priorities this session for the governor and Democratic-Farmer-Labor lawmakers, who say they want to craft a state budget that will prioritize education and families.

Surrounded by students and supporters of the measure in the cafeteria at Webster Elementary School in Minneapolis on Friday, Lt. Gov Peggy Flanagan said providing meals will give students without access to enough food at home a better shot at succeeding in school.

https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/news/minnesota/minnesota-becomes-fourth-state-to-offer-universal-free-school-meals