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Funding Uncertainty Leaves Free School Meal Programs in Limbo in Michigan
As the new academic year approaches, school districts in Michigan are caught in a dilemma over the continuation of free school meals. State Superintendent Michael Rice has called on these districts to maintain the program amid ongoing budgetary uncertainties.
The fiscal ambiguity arises from the Michigan Legislature’s failure to finalize the budget by the July 1 deadline. A key point of contention is whether to sustain funding for the free meals initiative, with the Democratic-led Senate supporting it in their May budget proposal, while the Republican-led House has excluded it.
In a recent memo, Rice urged prompt legislative action “so that schools and districts do not have to begin the new school year with uncertainty.” The state-funded free meal program, launched in the 2023-24 school year and supplemented by federal funding through the Community Eligibility Provision, faces a September 30 expiration if not renewed.
“MDE strongly recommends that local districts offer free meals at the beginning of this school year to take advantage of the student health, attendance, and performance benefits of school meals,” Rice stated, emphasizing the importance of the program.
Rice also cautioned districts against hastily opting out of the program, as the U.S. Department of Agriculture has indicated that any changes in participation cannot be reversed within the same school year.
Despite these recommendations, Okemos Public Schools recently informed parents that it would cease providing free meals due to the budget impasse. Consequently, students not qualifying for free or reduced-price meals based on family income will now incur meal costs.
This decision sparked a political blame game, with both Democrats and Republicans pointing fingers over the budgetary deadlock.
Lori Higgins is the bureau chief for Chalkbeat Detroit. You can reach her at lhiggins@chalkbeat.org.
Chalkbeat is a nonprofit news site covering educational change in public schools.
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