Advocacy
Books, laptops and pencils all come to mind as necessary tools for students to thrive in school. However, students struggle to use any of these tools when we neglect one critical need: food.
“In our district, we serve a diverse student body, including many families who fall just above the income threshold for traditional free or reduced-price meals,” said Zachary Roberts, director of dining services at Lincoln Consolidated Schools. “Before no-cost school meals were implemented, I often saw the quiet stress some parents carried—working multiple jobs, doing their best to make ends meet, but struggling to afford daily meals for their children.”
In Michigan, it costs $1,447 a month to feed a household of two adults and two children. 42% of Michigan families are ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed), and many students used to face an eight-hour school day on an empty stomach.
One family stands out in Zachary’s mind; two shy students who often skipped lunch. When the state of Michigan introduced no-cost meals in the 2023-2024 school year, they ate every day and their teachers noticed improved focus, better moods and more confidence in class participation.
“Their mother told us, ‘For the first time in a long time, I know they’re getting two full meals a day, and I can finally breathe a little easier,’” said Zachary. “It reminded us that feeding students isn’t just about food— it’s about equity, dignity and the ability to learn and grow without unnecessary barriers.”
For the past two years, United Way for Southeastern Michigan has successfully pressured the Michigan government to fund the Healthy School Meals Program, offering free breakfasts and lunches to all Michigan public school students Pre-K to 12.
The $200 million in funding secured through advocacy had a massive impact on student well-being and saved ALICE families $850 per student per year.
“We’ve advocated for Healthy School Meals for the past two years because we know how great of an impact it has on our region,” said Lauren Marks, manager of advocacy and government relations at United Way for Southeastern Michigan. “Michigan’s Healthy School Meals for All program doesn’t just make sure that kids enter the classroom ready to learn: it saves families money, cuts down on red tape, and gives our lunch staff the resources they need to get local, fresh food from our farmers into kids’ bellies.”
This year, a new budget threatens to strip funding for these meals, asking schools to make impossible trade-offs in their per-pupil funding. United Way is helping lead the charge to defend Healthy School Meals.
ADVOCACY AT THE CAPITOL
On June 25, our advocacy team gathered at the Michigan State Capitol building in Lansing for a collective day of action with the Michigan School Meals Coalition.
“Being at the Capitol for a day of action alongside our coalition partners was incredibly powerful,” said Amanda Klein, director of state government relations at American Heart Association. “It was a reminder that when we come together, we can fight for what really matters, like making sure every child has access to healthy school meals so they can show up, focus, and thrive.”
“Now it’s up to the legislature to finish the job and pass a school aid budget that protects this critical funding.”
Working with partners such as the American Heart Association and supported by legislators such as Rep. Regina Weiss of Oak Park, we are mobilizing to uplift the importance of these meals.
“As a former teacher and past chair of the school aid budget, I completely understand the importance of making sure that no student is hungry in school,” said Rep. Weiss. “When we secured universal school meals in the state budget, a huge weight was taken off of working families across our state.”
With the cost of living on the rise, healthy school meals for all provide critical support for ALICE families. By ensuring all students have the nutrition they need to thrive, we pave the way for a brighter future.
“I remember standing in the lunch line in elementary school, scared because I did not have money for lunch that day,” said Calia Wellsted, food service staff and parent at Freeland Community School District. “Free school meals are changing lives, students eat without any worry and families have some financial relief, knowing their student will have a free hot breakfast and lunch.”
“The very least we can do is provide this one small, but important safety net for our future!”
Click here to help ensure Healthy School Meals for all Michigan students.