SNAP Cuts Could Increase Minnesota’s School-Meal Costs

Minnesota students will continue receiving free school breakfast and lunch, but federal SNAP cuts could increase the program’s cost to the state.

Federal school-meal reimbursements are partly based on how many students qualify for SNAP and other assistance programs. As SNAP enrollment falls, schools could receive less federal money for the meals they serve.

Minnesota’s universal school-meals law covers the difference between federal reimbursements and the total meal cost. That means students remain protected, but the state may need to provide substantially more funding.

State education officials are still asking eligible families to complete their schools’ Application for Educational Benefits. Those applications help determine the correct federal reimbursement and can qualify families for other assistance.

A reliable estimate of Minnesota’s additional costs has not yet been released. Minnesota Department of Education