LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and State Superintendent Michael Rice want Michigan school cafeterias to keep serving free meals, even as the state budget fight drags on.

In a letter to superintendents on October 1, the pair warned against cutting off breakfasts and lunches while lawmakers solidify the details of next year’s budget. Some districts have already told parents that free meals could be paused because of funding uncertainty, according to the release.

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“Two summers ago, I was proud to deliver free school meals to all 1.4 million public-school students,” Whitmer said, arguing that families save nearly $1,000 a year per child. “As we continue pushing the Michigan Legislature to finalize a balanced budget that feeds our kids … I am calling on our school districts to do what it takes to feed every student.”

Rice backed the governor’s call, noting that schools expanded meal programs during the pandemic and children were “healthier as a result.”

Michigan has funded free meals for all public-school students since 2023, when a bipartisan budget deal first put the program in place. Leaders in both parties have agreed to continue the funding in the new budget, but final votes have not yet been taken.