ST.PAUL, Minn. – Governor Tim Walz signed a universal school meals bill, making Minnesota the fourth U.S. state to provide free breakfast and lunch to all K-12 students regardless of their family’s income. The program will cost $164 million a year. The state money will make up the balance for schools whose students already qualify for a reduced-price federal program. California, Maine and Colorado already have taken similar programs.
Signing ceremony. School kids were invited to the Capitol to witness Governor Walz sign legislation for free school breakfasts and lunches.
Verbatim
Walz: “As a former teacher, I know that providing free breakfast and lunch for our students is one of the best investments we can make to lower costs, support Minnesota’s working families, and care for our young learners and the future of our state. This bill puts us one step closer to making Minnesota the best state for kids to grow up, and I am grateful to all of the legislators and advocates for making it happen.”