Minnesota Senate Bill SF2840

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/20/25
• Refer: 3/20/25

Caption

School food waste reduction; free school milk during the lunch meal in place of a full school lunch authorization; appropriating money

Impact

If enacted, SF2840 will amend Minnesota Statutes, specifically Section 124D.118, to encourage all school districts to participate in the state-supported milk program. The program will provide financial support for schools that comply, helping to ensure that all kindergarten students receive at least one serving of milk daily. By allowing schools to provide milk separately from full lunches, the bill seeks to optimize resources and encourage healthier eating habits among young children. The projected impact includes a potential increase in milk consumption among students while decreasing the food waste associated with mandatory full lunch requirements.

Summary

SF2840 proposes significant changes to the school milk program in Minnesota. The bill aims to reduce food waste in schools by allowing the provision of milk during lunch for students who may not participate in the full school lunch program. It is focused primarily on kindergarten students, ensuring they have access to nutritious milk without the obligation of taking a full meal. The primary goal is to improve the health and well-being of children while eliminating unnecessary food waste that can occur when students only take milk with their lunches.

Contention

Discussion around SF2840 may involve concerns from various stakeholders. Supporters may champion the bill as a progressive step towards improving child nutrition and reducing waste in schools. However, opponents could raise issues regarding the funding implications and the necessity of altering existing lunch programs that already provide full meals. The effectiveness of this new approach, in terms of educational outcomes and impacts on school budgets, is also likely to be key points of contention, as schools contemplate the balance between providing adequate nutrition and managing financial constraints.