7/14/2026

UPPER MICHIGAN - Legislation advancing in the Michigan Senate would provide universal free breakfast and lunch to all public-school students. Supporters say the program helps reduce food insecurity while saving families hundreds of dollars a year. Senator Dayna Polehanki, who sponsored the bill, says making the program permanent would give parents peace of mind, and it could save them between 800 and a thousand dollars in yearly expenses per child.

                    0:11  "Parents like it too because it's one less thing to have to concern yourself with. I think it's a big win for everybody, and it's why it's so wildly popular."

However, some lawmakers have expressed concerns about making free school meals permanent, arguing the money could instead be directed toward other education priorities such as improving reading and math scores or increasing funding for classrooms. Polehanki contends the program would cost less than one percent of Michigan's school aid budget.