MICHIGAN SCHOOL MEALS PROGRAM: A WIN FOR STUDENTS AND LOCAL AGRIC

Wow, how times have changed! Remember the days when your parents would have to give you money daily so you could buy a school lunch? It looks like those days are over for all Michigan elementary, middle and high school students.

Earlier this year, Govenor Gretchen Whitmer was able to get a state budget passed that will include an additional $40 million for universally free breakfast and lunches for all public-school students, pre-K through grade 12.

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Dr. Michael F. Rice, state Superintendent says, "The Michigan School Meals program fosters successful student learning and aligns with Goal three of Michigan’s Top 10 Strategic Education Plan to improve the health, safety, and wellness of all learners.”

Last school year, the program provided over 76.3 million breakfasts and 135.6 million lunches. This year, they are projected to see that number climb.

The budget provides state reimbursement to schools for a free breakfast and lunch for public school students in schools that participate in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program.

Michigan School Meals also supports Michigan’s agriculture and economy, by giving schools the opportunity to participate in their Ten Cents a Meal Program (which is funded by the state school aid budget). The program encourages schools to purchase Michigan-grown fruits, vegetables, and dry beans by giving schools an additional 10 cents per meal when local produce is served within school meals. This helps alleviate a financial burden for Michigan families, while eliminating the negative stigma associated with participating in school meal programs.

Although families do not need to pay for meals, they are asked to complete family income forms so their local schools may be eligible for additional educational funding.

Click Here for further information about the Michigan School Meals Program.

118 Room Mansion in Rochester Back on the Market

A home that was once Michigan's second-most expensive home on the market features a staggering 118 rooms, an indoor pool, and it's just dripping with opulence.

A little more than a year ago, the asking price was $11.5 million. Today, the opening bid for this luxurious mansion starts at $2.5 million.

Gallery Credit: George McIntyre

A Nostalgic Look Back at Flint's Safetyville

If you grew up in the Flint area back in the late 60s to early 80s, there is a good chance your first time behind the wheel was on the streets of Safetyville. Safetyville was a miniature cityscape designed to teach kids the rules of the road and lessons in safety in a fun atmosphere. The pint-size city featured sidewalks, roads, miniature buildings, street signs, signals, and small electrically-powered cars.

Gallery Credit: Courtesy of Junior Central Powered Promotional Cars