Minnesota's free school meals program exceeds budget, costing taxpayers $876 million

Since its inception in 2023, Minnesota's free school meals program has delivered almost 450 million breakfasts and lunches across public, charter, and private schools, with more than 150 million meals served in its third year alone. Governor Tim Walz lauded the initiative for removing hunger worries and supporting academic focus, and education commissioner Willie Jett said it keeps money in families' pockets. However, the program's cost has ballooned to $876 million, surpassing the original three-year estimate of $600 million by 46 %.

Economist John Phelan of the Center of the American Experiment attributed the overspend to higher participation rates—breakfast up 40 % and lunch up 15 %—and inflation, warning it fuels the state's budget deficit. The governor's office counters that the program saves families about $1,000 per student annually and calls the extra spending a worthwhile investment.