LANSING, Mich. (June 2, 2026) — Today, the Senate Education Committee, chaired by Sen. Dayna Polehanki (D-Livonia), passed Senate Bills 784–785 to make Michigan’s widely successful universal free school meals program permanent. In response, Sen. Polehanki, sponsor of the legislation, has released the following statement:
“Since Democrats gained the majority for the first time in over 40 years, my Senate Democratic colleagues and I have delivered free school meals for every public school student every year — saving Michigan families an average of $850 on annual grocery costs and helping kids focus on learning with full stomachs.
“This proven-effective program reduces food insecurity, lowers household costs, and improves outcomes for kids and families. That’s why I’m fighting to put it into state law — to keep Michigan students fed and healthy for generations to come.”
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