A Guide to Free School Meals in Minnesota
How Students Can Receive One Free Breakfast and One Free Lunch Each School Day
Under Minnesota's Free School Meals Program, all enrolled students can receive one free breakfast and one free lunch each school day, regardless of household income. As a state-funded program, Minnesota reimburses schools for meals that meet program requirements.
Although school meals are available at no cost to students, not every food item or meal purchase is covered by the program. Understanding what qualifies as a free meal can help you and your student make informed choices and avoid unexpected charges to your child's meal account.
Program Meal Requirements
In order for your child’s meal to be free, it must meet specific requirements set by the Minnesota Free School Meals Program. If a meal does not meet these guidelines, items may be charged to the student’s meal account. It is the responsibility of parents to help ensure their student is following meal expectations and to monitor their student's meal account balance.
3 Components Required
Meals must include at least three items or different “components.” Components include protein, grains, fruits, vegetables, and milk. A qualifying meal must include a combination of these to meet the requirement.
Include a Fruit or Vegetable
One of the three required items or components must be at least a 1/2 cup serving of fruit or vegetables. This ensures that every free, reimbursable meal includes a healthy fruit or vegetable option.
No Extras or Standalones
Items such as seconds, milk alone (without the other two components), à la carte items, or other single items do not qualify. These are not part of a reimbursable meal and are charged separately to the student’s account.
Apply for Educational Benefits
While school meals are now provided at no cost, completing the educational benefits application helps families access additional resources in our district, such as summer grocery assistance, internet and utility discounts, test fee waivers, and more.
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