Minnesota Free School Meals Messaging

MN Free School Meals Program

Messages that schools can use to share information about the program

On March 17, 2023, Governor Walz signed the MN Free School Meals bill into law. The MN Free School Meals

Program is a permanent program that provides state reimbursement to schools that participate in the National

School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program so that students can have one breakfast and one lunch

at no cost at school. The Free School Meals Program began on July 1, 2023.

This document includes information that schools can use in newsletters, handbooks, and social media posts.

Messages for Newsletters, Handbooks, etc.

What is the Minnesota Free School Meals Program?

The Minnesota Free School Meals Program provides state reimbursement to schools that participate in the

National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program so that students can have one breakfast and one

lunch at no cost at school.

Can the meals be picked up or brought home like we did during the pandemic?

No. Congregate meal service is required in the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast

Program. Meals may not be taken off campus, sent home, delivered, or picked up by parents or others.

Do I still need to complete the Application for Educational Benefits?

It is important for families to complete the Application for Educational Benefits. Applications for Educational

Benefits determine how much funding your child’s school receives for educational programs and

supports. Additionally, eligible families can qualify for other benefits, such as:

• WIC Benefits

• Metro Transits’ Transit Assistance Program

• FCC Affordable Connectivity Program/Reduced price internet programs

• Some summer camps, athletics programs and/or child cares offer scholarships or discounts.

What is included in the MN Free School Meals Program?

In schools with Offer versus Serve (high schools and many elementary schools):

• At breakfast, the student must choose at least 3 items to be counted as a reimbursable meal. The

student must choose a ½ cup serving of fruit or vegetable as part of their breakfast.

• At lunch, the student must choose at least 3 components to be counted as a reimbursable meal. The

student must choose a ½ cup serving of fruit or vegetable as part of their lunch.

In schools that choose not to do Offer versus Serve (some elementary schools and many schools that purchase

meals from a vendor):

• At breakfast and lunch, the student must take all of the items included in the meal. This includes the

entrée, fruits, vegetables, and milk.

What is NOT included in the MN Free School Meals Program?

Single item purchases and non-reimbursable meals are not free. Some examples include:

• carton of milk

• snack items

• second entrée

• A second breakfast or a second lunch

• Meals that do not meet the minimum requirements

• Meals served to teachers, staff, and other adults

Messages for Social Media

• Minnesota school districts, charter schools, and nonpublic schools approved for the National School

Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program may participate in the Free School Meals Program.

• Fill the Form! The Application for Education Benefits helps determine how much education funding your

school will receive. Complete an application for your student for school year 2023-24.

• Students and families may qualify for other program fee reductions based on their eligibility for free or

reduced-price meals. Parents should complete an Application for Education Benefits.

• Students must choose at least 3 items at breakfast and at least 3 components at lunch. The student

must choose at least ½ cup of a fruit or vegetable at breakfast and lunch.

• Only meals that meet the requirements are reimbursed, students that want additional or single items

will be charged for those items.

Nondiscrimination Statement

In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and

policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex

(including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights

activity.

Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who

require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape,

American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or

USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at

(800) 877-8339.

To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program

Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at:

https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad-3027.pdf , from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-

9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address,

telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform

the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The

completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:

1. m

ail: U.S. Department of Agricu

lture

ffice of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

1400 Independence Avenue, SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or

2. f

ax: (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or

3. email: Program.Intake@usda.gov

his institution is an equal opportunity provider.