LANSING, Mich. (March 5, 2026) — Michigan’s last three balanced, bipartisan budgets delivered breakfast and lunch for the state’s 1.4 million public school students at no charge, ensuring no child learns on an empty stomach, while helping parents save nearly $1,000 on groceries per kid. In response to these investments and the governor’s proclamation of March 2-6 as School Breakfast Week, Sen. Kevin Hertel (D-St. Clair Shores) issued the following statement:
“Students cannot focus on their classwork when their stomachs are growling. By providing every Michigan student with access to breakfast and lunch at no cost, they can have the nutrition and energy they need to fully participate in class and reach their highest potential.
“As a dad of two young boys, I see firsthand the benefits this program provides to parents, too. At a time when the cost of everything from backpacks and school supplies to child care and doctors’ visits is getting more expensive, having some relief on grocery bills can make a world of difference. By saving nearly $1,000 a year on groceries, families can use that money to cover other necessities and start putting savings aside for things like kids’ college funds.”
In the Michigan Senate, Sen. Hertel serves on the appropriation committee responsible for crafting the K-12 education budget and has been a staunch advocate for Michigan students, parents, and teachers — working to ensure everyone has the resources they need to set our youngest Michiganders up for success both inside and outside of the classroom. In addition to supporting the school meals program, Sen. Hertel has championed legislation and secured investments to:
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Unlock over $600 million in flexible funding for school districts across Michigan to invest in school safety, mental health, teacher salaries, and more.
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Provide important cost savings for teachers by eliminating their required contribution to the Michigan Other Post-Employment Benefits fund.
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Require schools to screen students for characteristics of dyslexia and provide evidence-based interventions to improve literacy rates.
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Address the growing issue of cell phone use in schools and protect kids’ uninterrupted learning environment by banning cell phones during instruction in Michigan’s K-12 public schools.
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Ensure students and teachers have access to clean drinking water in school.
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Support local schools bolster their Career and Technical Education programming, increase the amount of Pre-K slots they can provide, and improve their infrastructure.
