In an official statement, Massachusetts, implemented a successful state-supported universal free school meal program for the 2022-2023 school year.  Compared to the 2018-2019 school year prior to the advent of COVID, during 2022-2023, Massachusetts served 12.2 million more lunches for a total of 97.5 million.  Student participation increased by 61,500 to a daily total of 557,000.  Following the introduction of free school meals, 9 million more breakfasts were served with a total of 44.5 million.  Breakfast was served to 243,000 each school day up 43,400. 

In releasing the statistics, Governor Maura Healy stated, “We were proud to make universal free school meals permanent through the Legislature and the combination of state and federal funding allowing all students to stay healthy and succeed in school.”

Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll stated, “The state investment in universal free meals has also been an investment in school nutrition programs.  With more predictable revenue, school districts have been able to invest in locally-sourced food and have produced impressive menu items.”

Massachusetts is now the eighth state to provide universal free school meals on a permanent basis. Universal free school breakfasts represent a market opportunity for in-state and local producers and engender a habit for egg dishes that should persist after schooling.