MN Kids Attending Private Schools Can Get Free Lunch This Year

ST. PAUL, MN — On March 17, Gov. Tim Walz signed the state-funded Free School Meals program into law. The permanent program allows all children attending public school in Minnesota to receive a free breakfast and lunch, regardless of their family's income level.

The initiative is paid for by a combination of funding from the National School Lunch Program and funding from the state of Minnesota.

However, the program doesn't only extend to public schools. Private and charter schools can team up with their local public school district to participate in the Free School Meals Program.

"A private school or charter school may work with their local school district to become a joint agreement site under the school district," Minnesota Department of Education documents state.

"The school district is not required to take on joint agreement sites. The private school or charter school looking to become a joint agreement site should contact their local school district as soon as possible to determine if the school district is willing and able to take on this responsibility."

To receive free school meals, Students must be enrolled in a school that is eligible for the National School Lunch Program. That means students attending school online and homeschooled students cannot participate.

Learn more about the Free School Meals program on the Minnesota Department of Education website.