Legislators zero out Michigan school budgets, cut funding for healthy school meals for all K-12 students
LANSING, Mich., June 11, 2025 — The American Heart Association is expressing disappointment in the Michigan State House of Representatives’ budget which eliminates line-item funding for the Healthy School Meals for All. This version of the budget endangers the success of Michigan public school students.
“We are deeply disappointed that the House budget released today does not include continued funding for Healthy School Meals for All,” said Amanda Klein, Michigan Government Relations Director for the American Heart Association. “This critical investment ensured that all Michigan students, regardless of income and zip code, had access to the nutritious meals they need to thrive in the classroom and beyond. We urge lawmakers to prioritize our kids’ health and academic success by restoring this funding in the final budget. Our students deserve better.”
The line-item eliminated from the proposed budget specifically impacts the Healthy School Meals for All program, which passed in 2023 and ensures that all Michigan public school students in kindergarten through grade 12 receive free breakfast and lunch daily.
In Michigan, 1 in 6 children face hunger. Children who go hungry are more likely to experience behavioral issues and health challenges. For the past two years, the Michigan School Meals Program helped ensure Michigan students entered the classroom ready to learn and succeed.
For middle and lower-income families facing rising costs, school meals provide predictable relief that allows households to stretch their budgets. Data show that the Michigan School Meals program saves Michigan families as much as $850 per year, per student.
“A hungry child cannot learn!” said June Altom, President of Michigan School Nutrition Association. “Food insecurity for Michigan's children is found in every socio-economic area throughout the state, not just in low-income areas. Michigan School Meals has proven to be successful in eliminating the stigma of the "poor kid" who gets free lunch. Thirty three percent of Michigan’s children are getting a healthy school breakfast and 25% more children are eating lunch since the start of Michigan School Meals. These are some of the healthiest meals available and are served by dedicated school nutrition professionals and include fresh fruits and vegetables - including as many Michigan grown products as possible!”.
The American Heart Association, in collaboration with School Nutrition Association of Michigan, has formed the Michigan School Meals coalition, a broad group representing educators, school staff and other non-profits, to address the urgent need for Michigan to act on this issue.
“As an organization that fights for children’s well-being, the Michigan League for Public Policy urges lawmakers to pass an education budget that guarantees access to the food that fuels our kids’ success in school,” said Monique Stanton, president and CEO of the Michigan League for Public Policy. “The Healthy School Meals for All initiative provides a double boost by supporting children’s health and cutting red tape so schools can direct more resources to the core functions of educating students.”
“One in six children in our state experience hunger,” said Dr. Darienne Hudson, president and CEO of United Way for Southeastern Michigan. "Healthy School Meals for All doesn't simply provide students with free breakfast and lunch - it ensures they can enter the classroom ready to learn and succeed. By not providing dedicated funding for this proven and effective program, the budget proposed by the House today risks leaving more of our young learners falling further behind. We urge legislators to adopt a budget that funds universal access to school meals, so no Michigan child is forced to learn on an empty stomach."
The American Heart Association says one-third of children are at an increased risk of developing chronic conditions including heart disease and diabetes.
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public's health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries:
Remi Monaghan; remi.monaghan@heart.org
For Public Inquiries:
1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
