MARSHALL — The Marshall School Board approved the motion to write off $162.65 in outstanding food service balances, meaning the schools will start the year off with zero lunch debt.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz signed the Free School Meals bill into law March 2023, approving free breakfasts and lunches for students.

“I think we know that all kids are getting lunch that day,” Superintendent Jeremy Williams said regarding the positive shift he’s noticed. “This means all kids everyday are guaranteed a free lunch and breakfast. There’s two free meals everyday.”

The write-off was a unanimous decision across the board.

“Many of these balances were very minimal, like a dollar or less, for many of the accounts,” Williams said.

Prior to the free lunches, Williams said the outstanding number used to be significantly higher.

The free meals bill went into effect July 1, 2023, and will be permanent, according to the Minnesota Department of Education.

The free meals program also is different from the National School Lunch Program.

Detailed by the Department of Education, “The free school meals program is a state funded program that provides reimbursement for meals served to students who do not qualify for free or reduced-price meals, so all students receive the meals at no cost. Schools participating in the Free School Meals Program must participate in the National School Lunch Program and the school breakfast program, and adhere to the regulations of those programs.”

Williams said he has heard appreciative feedback from students and families over the past year.