The Importance of a Food Service Program in Schools

When Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed the bipartisan education budget for fiscal year 2024, it changed the landscape of school meals for all Michigan public schools. The Michigan School Meals program ensures universally free school meals for all Michigan students despite income.

Why is it Important?

Some say that allowing universally free school meals can level the playing field for students & remove the stigma around food & income insecurity.

In 2023, a study was conducted by the journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, found that a proper food service program in schools lead to better health & more food security for students.

In 2021, a report from the Brookings Institution, found food service programs that offered students free meals had an improvement in math performance as well as a significant drop in suspensions.

A report from the Center for Policy Research at the Maxwell School found that programs that offered universal free meals had a positive effect on English Language Arts and Math scores of all students.
It also found no evidence that these programs caused any increase in a student’s weight or body mass index (BMI).

Now that the Michigan School Meals program is available for any Michigan public school, it’s important to evaluate your school district’s food service program.

Why Choose Variety FoodServices?

With over 25 years of experience in School Nutrition, we are proud to serve over 35 public school districts throughout Michigan & the Midwest.
Our incredible local customer service team will always go above & beyond to support our clients.