As of Wednesday, the State of Michigan has not passed a school budget for the 2025-2026 school year, leaving schools without answers as to whether programs like free meals will continue to be funded.

“One major question that remains unresolved is whether the state will continue to fund universal free breakfast and lunch for all students,” Alpena Public Schools Superintendent Dave Rabbideau said in an email. “I know this is an issue of great importance for many of our families.”

In the meantime, APS will ensure that all students continue to receive free breakfast and lunch through October, regardless of the state’s inaction, Rabbideau said in the email. Once the state budget is finalized, the district will share an update on how it affects school meals going forward.

If the state budget is not passed by the end of October, or if it does not include funding for universal meals, students will once again need to qualify for free or reduced-price meals. Families should complete the 2025-2026 Education and Nutrition Benefits Form to ensure that their child’s needs will be met.

The form can be found on the APS website under the news section.