School Meals Day Of Action Story....

School Meals Day of Action: A Promise to Michigan Students

Kelly Bolton, Food Services Director, Grass Lake School District SNAM Legislative Vice Chair

On Wednesday, April 15, 2026 advocates from across Michigan gathered at the Capitol in Lansing for the School Meals Day of Action—a powerful day focused on protecting and strengthening access to healthy school meals for all students.

Parents, students, educators, and community partners came together with a shared goal: to demonstrate strong, visible support for maintaining funding and making healthy school meals permanent. Throughout the day, participants met with legislators, shared personal stories, and highlighted the real impact school meals have on communities across the state.

This important effort continues to be strengthened through the partnership between the School Nutrition Association of Michigan (SNAM), the American Heart Association (AHA), and the Michigan Department of Education and Health and Human Services (MDEHHS). Together, these organizations are working to elevate the importance of school nutrition and support programs like the 10 Cent Meal Opportunity—helping ensure all students have access to fresh, nutritious food that fuels their success.

Shining a Light on School Nutrition

School meals are more than a program—they are a promise to Michigan students.

Every day, 1,338,480 school meals are served across Michigan, providing critical support to students and families.

For many, these meals make a meaningful difference:

“As a parent, free school meals are so helpful for our family. Between the cost of food these days and the convenience of not having to pack a lunch every day, it is a lifesaver.”— Krista Schrotenboer, Parent, Saugatuck

“I am a single parent and have little to no money for extra food, and this saves me from going without at home.”— Angela Goodin, Parent, Holland

Advocates also emphasized the broader impact of universal school meals:

“Universal school meals are an incredible investment in our students—in their well-being, their health, and in creating a safe, reliable nutritional environment where they can learn and thrive. They are also an incredible investment in the state of Michigan…”— Dan Gorman, Montague Area & North Muskegon Public Schools

Why This Matters

Academic Readiness Students who are well-nourished are better able to focus, retain information, and succeed in the classroom.

Health & Well-Being Nutritious meals support physical development and long-term health.

Economic Strength School meal programs support Michigan farmers, dairies, manufacturers, and local economies.