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Michigan budget returns funding for 10 Cents a Meal program

The Michigan Legislature has restored funding for the 10 Cents a Meal program, helping schools buy Michigan-grown foods and support local farmers.

Amanda Brezzell is with Groundwork Center for Resilient Communities, the communications partner for 10 Cents.

“We were able to secure $4 million to run this program, which is a huge win,” they say. “But I would say this is something that returned because of the work of the people who are impacted by this program.”

Brezzell tells Brownfield over the past decade, the program has changed local food procurement and how students are fed in Michigan.

“Students’ lives have been changed because of this program, and we’re going to do everything we can to continue to do that and continue to provide our students with the best options possible,” they say.

Brezzell says the program has also led to career and technical training initiatives, which help link students to food and agriculture jobs.

Ten Cents a Meal has been funded in Michigan for nearly a decade to support schools, early care providers, and organizations participating in USDA Child Nutrition programs to buy Michigan-grown, minimally processed fruits, vegetables, and dry beans.

The state’s budget is awaiting the governor’s approval.