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CBS News
11-08-2025
- General
- CBS News
Who will get free school meals in Michigan schools this year?
Whether or not Michigan students will continue to get a free school breakfast and lunch this coming school year will be on a hit-and-miss basis, as districts scramble to confirm available funding and make budget decisions. In response, many preK-12 schools have taken to social media or parent letters to explain the circumstances and what families can expect when classes begin. The hurdle is that the Michigan state budget for the fiscal year starting Oct. 1 has not yet been approved. State lawmakers imposed on themselves a July 1 deadline for approving the upcoming budget, but that has yet to happen for this coming year. So, what happens to the program known as Michigan School Meals, a project that combined federal and state funds starting in the 2023-24 academic year to provide a free breakfast and a free lunch for all public school students? No one knows yet whether it continues as a designated program, is added to the overall budget, or whether the funds have to come from another education expense. "That means there is a possibility that school meals may no longer be free for everyone," a social media post from Chippewa Hills High School in Remus said. That's why parents and guardians should pay close attention to announcements that come directly from their districts or school offices as back-to-school season ramps up. The schools that have promised to provide free meals until the fiscal year ends Sept. 30 include Sparta Area Schools in Kent County, Michigan Center School District in Jackson County and Midland Public Schools in Midland County. To give parents an idea of what to expect should the lunch expense resume, Midland said it would charge $3.70 a day for an elementary school lunch; and between $3.95 and $4.95 a day for secondary student lunches, depending on the menu selections. Huron Academy in Macomb County's Sterling Heights and Swartz Creek Community Schools in Genesee County are among those that have promised free meals for the entire year within the budgets they expect to receive. "If the Michigan School Meals bill is passed, we will be able to reinvest these additional funds into your child's meals, update our kitchens and equipment, and update cafe environments and furniture," Swartz Creek explained. Regardless of what happens with the state budget, there has long been federal assistance at participating schools for families who meet household income requirements. The income limits are updated every year and are based on the federal poverty level, along with household size. For the 2025-26 school year, the annual household income brackets that apply to Michigan residents include: Some districts, based on overall community demographics, can get a federal waiver for all of their students. Should that happen, there will be instructions from the school district on what to expect.
CBS News
15-07-2025
- General
- CBS News
Broward schools end universal free lunches, urge families to apply for meal assistance
Broward County Public Schools will no longer provide free lunch to all students, the district announced Monday, citing budget cuts and the expiration of federal pandemic-era funding. Instead, families must now apply for free or reduced-price meals based on household income. New application process now in place Previously, all students in Broward public schools received free lunch regardless of income. That changed last year, and now only students who qualify under federal guidelines will receive free or reduced-price meals. The district is encouraging families to apply online at to determine eligibility. A reduced-price lunch can cost as little as 40 cents. "It's based on how many [people are] in your household and total income," said Kristina Ramirez, program coordinator for meal benefits. Free breakfast still available for all While the universal free lunch program has ended, Broward schools will continue offering free breakfast to all students. Siblings Joaquin and Julian Guerra, who attend Hollywood Hills Elementary, remember enjoying their favorite school meals—chicken and rice for Joaquin and pizza for Julian. Their grandmother, Mary Quintero, expressed concern about the change. "I think it should be free. Some parents can't afford it," Quintero said. Miami-Dade to continue universal meal program Unlike Broward, Miami-Dade County Public Schools will continue to offer both free breakfast and lunch to all students through at least the 2025–2026 school year.
