The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) has chosen its 10 Cents a Meal for Michigan’s Kids & Farms grantees for 2020-2021, which includes several first-time grantees in the Saginaw area. 

Grantees include the Bridgeport-Spaulding Community School District - $5,000; Carrollton Public Schools - $10,000; the YMCA of Saginaw - $2,000; and Saginaw Public Schools - $16,000.

10 Cents A Meal for Michigan's Kids & Farms is a state-funded program providing schools and early childhood education centers with match incentive funding up to 10 cents per meal to purchase and serve Michigan-grown fruits, vegetables, and legumes.

“Every child, no matter their zip code, deserves access to fresh fruits and vegetables to ensure a healthy development,” said former State Rep. Vanessa Guerra (D-Saginaw). ”This is especially true during a global pandemic when nourishing meals can help keep our kids healthy throughout this difficult time. We are so grateful for the Michigan Department of Education’s efforts to bring these resources to schools here in Saginaw County.” Guerra, who served in the legislature when the budget was passed has now been sworn-in as Saginaw County Clerk.

The Michigan legislature and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer increased funding from $575,000 to $2 million for 10 Cents a Meal in the 2021 budget. Initially a pilot program launched in 2016, 10 Cents has been expanded so that it is available to schools statewide for the first time ever. Additionally, the program has been expanded to include early childhood centers as also eligible for the grant funding.

“Creating a market for local, small-to-medium scale farms creates a virtuous cycle for our local and regional economy and helps kids learn to enjoy fresh foods that they might not have tried otherwise," said State Rep. Amos O'Neal (D-Saginaw). "That's win-win."

To learn more, please visit www.tencentsmichigan.org.

For the list of 2020-21 award grantees, visit https://www.tencentsmichigan.org/about.

For the Michigan Department of Education press release on the new 10 Cents a Meal grantees, please click here.