LANSING, Mich. (WILX) – Michigan’s Department of Education (MDE) says since the start of Michigan School Meals in 2023, there are over 115,000 more children eating breakfast and over 177,000 more children eating lunch every day. Reducing hunger and allowing more time spent in the classroom learning but that could all change due to federally proposed changes to eligibility that could see many of those students going without.
“When kids aren’t eating consistently their ability to pay attention, to learn is diminished,” said Sarah Eichberger, Public Health Nutritionist at Michigan State University.
Currently, Michigan schools must show that 25% of their students are enrolled in other aid programs like SNAP benefits (food stamps) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) to qualify for community eligibility. House Republicans want to raise that requirement to 60%…