Press release announcing state funding for 10 Cents a Meal, fiscal year 2027
Traverse City, Mich. — After a year of determined advocacy from educators, farmers, parents, health advocates, and communities across the state, the 10 Cents a Meal for Michigan’s Kids and Farms program has been restored in Michigan’s Fiscal Year 2027 School Aid Budget.
The program will receive $4 million in funding; however, administrative funding was removed from the final bill package. At this time, program partners are exploring alternatives and emergency private funding to ensure that the program will operate for the upcoming program year. Additionally non-school sponsors have become ineligible for funding in 2027, due to adjustments made outside of program control. This means that sponsors such as childcare centers and homes, before and after school providers, and community service agencies will not be able to participate.
“I can’t let the unfortunate and unexpected changes made to this program undermine the incredible work done by program advocates,” said Amanda Brezzell, Groundwork Center’s Policy and Engagement Specialist. “This program is a real investment in children’s health, in local farms, in resilient communities, and in a food system that keeps Michigan dollars in Michigan. Myself and the people I represent are deeply grateful to the partners and advocates who made this restoration possible. Thank you.”
The program’s return marks the culmination of a year-long campaign led by the 10 Cents a Meal Coalition and local advocates who never stopped telling the story of why this investment matters. Their work reflects a shared belief that every Michigan child deserves access to local food, and that every Michigan farmer deserves the opportunity to feed their communities and sustain themselves in the process.
Before its unexpected removal from the state budget in 2025, 10 Cents a Meal reached more than 600,000 Michigan children while generating more than $7 million in economic benefit for local farmers and Michigan-based food businesses. Additionally, the program has stood as an inspiration to other states across the nation who have built similar local food purchasing incentive programs for schools and institutions. This demonstrates that when schools invest in local food, everyone benefits: students gain access to fresh nutrient dense meals; farmers gain reliable markets; and communities keep dollars circulating close to home.
Without administrative funds to run the program, we are uncertain about the future of this work. Program partners will continue to explore all options available to restore administrative support. The Michigan Department of Education will share further updates on the program and the 2027 application as soon as possible.
The program is administered by the Michigan Department of Education, with support from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Groundwork Center for Resilient Communities, and the Michigan State University Center for Regional Food Systems. 
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For more information about the 10 Cents a Meal for Michigan’s Kids & Farms program, visit tencentsmichigan.org.
Program Contact
MDE Farm to Program Team
MDE-FarmtoProgram@michigan.gov
Media & Policy Contact
Amanda Brezzell
amanda.brezzell@groundworkcenter.org
