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Minnesota school meal program costs exceed forecasts
Minnesota’s statewide free school meal program, launched in 2023, has served nearly 450 million meals across public, charter, and non-public K-12 schools. The program provides breakfast and lunch to all students regardless of family income.
While Governor Tim Walz and Education Commissioner Willie Jett have praised the initiative for reducing hunger and supporting families, the program is facing scrutiny over rising costs. Economist John Phelan of the Center of the American Experiment noted that the program has cost $876 million to date, which is 46% higher than the original three-year forecast of $600 million. The governor’s office maintains that the program saves Minnesota families an average of $1,000 per student annually.
Entities
Center of the American Experiment · Minnesota · Tim Walz · Willie Jett
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The School Meals Program has served nearly 450 million meals since its 2023 launch. justthenews.com · kroc.com · mix108.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The program has cost $876 million, which is 46% above the initial forecast. justthenews.com · kroc.com · mix108.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The program provides free breakfast and lunch to K-12 students regardless of family income. justthenews.com · kroc.com · mix108.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The program saves Minnesota families an average of $1,000 per student annually. justthenews.com · kroc.com · mix108.com