Free Breakfast and Lunch Will Soon Be Available to All Students in This State

Minnesota has become the fourth state to make meals available to students for free.

Food insecurity continues to be a problem throughout the United States. According to Feeding America, an organization that works to reduce hunger nationwide, 1 in 8 kids are at risk for hunger. Some cities and states have free breakfast and lunch programs to ensure children don't go without food. Minnesota recently passed legislation allowing all students in the state to get free breakfast and lunch beginning next school year.

All Minnesota students will get free meals this fall

According to Hunger Solutions Minnesota, an organization that works to fight hunger in the state, food pantry visits rose significantly between 2021 and 2022. Throughout 2022, there were 1.9 million more visits than in 2021. Recently signed legislation may help to get food to more children in the state.

A recent bill has become law, and it includes plans to provide free breakfast and lunch to all Minnesota students, regardless of household income. The bill passed through the state Senate and House and was signed by Governor Tim Walz on March 17, 2023.

Free meals will be available to all students starting the 2023-2024 school year. The law will require all schools throughout the state to provide each student with one free breakfast and one free lunch each school day, regardless of their ability to pay. Students will no longer need to prove that they need aid or be required to apply for free meals.

State leaders hope that this will help Minnesota families save money. Senate Majority leader Kari Dziedzic estimates that this legislation will save a family of four in the White Bear Lake District around $1,900 annually. Advocates note that making free meals available to all students will also reduce the stigma surrounding free and reduced meals.

This law will also help more children get the nutrition needed to learn. Proper nutrition is vital for childhood development, and hungry students don't perform as well in school. Minnesota isn't the first to enact such a law. California, Colorado, and Maine have also passed legislation to make meals available to students at no cost.

High food costs impact household finances

Food costs rose 10.4% between December 2021 and December 2022, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. With this statistic in mind, it's no surprise that many Americans struggle to afford enough food. Higher price tags at the grocery store can worsen existing financial struggles for many households.

Filling up your fridge can be difficult when there's only so much money in your checking account and your expenses keep rising. If you struggle to afford food, please know you're not alone. Here are a few resources to explore if you need extra help putting food on the table.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federal program available to eligible low-income individuals and families. If you qualify for benefits, you can get nutrition benefits to help cover the cost of food. You can apply for benefits online or at your local county assistance office.

School Food Pantry

Nearly 4,000 food pantries are available nationwide through the Feeding America School Food Pantry program. Some pantries welcome students outside of their district and community members even if they don't have kids at the school. If there are no school food pantries in your area, you can contact your local food pantry to learn how to start one at your child's school.

Community food bank

Another option is to visit a food bank in your community. By picking up essentials at your local food bank, you can ensure that you have enough food to feed your family. The Feeding America website has a search tool you can use to find nearby food pantries.

Don't be afraid to lean on resources like these. If you're looking for guidance on how to improve your financial situation, check out our free personal finance resources.