Chelsea says universal free meals will pause if state funding isn’t restored

Superintendent Mike Kopulka said the Michigan School Meals Program, which funds free breakfast and lunch for all students, is currently funded only through Sept. 30 and the state budget has not been finalized. Chelsea will continue to provide free meals for all students through Friday, Oct. 3, he said, but "beginning Monday, Oct. 6, families who are able will be responsible for meal costs."

Kopulka said Chelsea will not let a student go hungry: "We want families to know that no student will go without a meal and that families that are experiencing financial hardship can contact the food service department or their building principal for assistance, even if they do not qualify for benefits." He added that continuing universal free meals is not financially sustainable for the district without state support.

Kopulka said if the state later includes funding for the Michigan School Meals Program in the education budget, the district would reinstate free meals for all students. He said the district would send detailed information by email that evening and urged families concerned about funding to contact their state representative or senator to share those concerns.

The district did not specify the dollar amount of the shortfall or whether federal or other local funding sources might be available; Kopulka limited the update to the current timeline and steps families can take to request assistance. The district’s food service department and building principals were listed as the contact points for families needing help.