1 week ago
88
Minnesota has now served 450 million free school meals as the program’s cost continues to rise beyond early projections.
Gov. Tim Walz promoted the program at Hoover Elementary School in Coon Rapids on the first day of school. The free school meals program began in 2024 and saw participation rise right away.
“We know what the research shows. When they come in and eat a nutritious breakfast, they do better in the classroom,” Gov. Walz said.
Walz said the higher cost reflects stronger use than expected. He also said he sees that as a sign the program is helping students.
According to the governor’s office, the program was originally projected to cost the state about $400 million in its first two years. The program cost $276 million in 2024, $294 million in 2025 and $306 million in 2026.
“My guess is early on we saw the cost was more than projected. I saw some people complaini...
