In Massachusetts, the number of school meals served continues to soar, with an additional 8.3 million meals dished out during the 2024-25 academic year. This increase marks the success of the Healey-Driscoll Administration's continued support for the state's universal free school meals program. According to preliminary data shared by the administration, approximately 11,000 more students are taking advantage of the school lunch program each day, with a further 20,000 opting into school breakfast compared to last year.
Wilmington Public Schools have been spotlighted for culinary excellence, earning them the 2025 Massachusetts Terrific Tray of the Year award, as reported by Mass.gov. The annual recognition, which honors superb and healthy meal offerings in school cafeterias, celebrates the district's esteemed rotisserie chicken meal, which is made with locally sourced ingredients from Massachusetts, and New England.
State officials have expressed their commendations, with Governor Maura Healey commending the schools', nutrition workers, and local farmers for their collaborative effort in student health. “Congratulations to Wilmington Public Schools’ nutrition staff and to all the school nutrition workers and farmers who have collaborated to make sure Massachusetts students have healthy meals,” Healey stated in an announcement obtained by Mass.gov. Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll highlighted the aesthetic and nutritional value of the meals, which contribute to the overall learning ecosystem.
The impact of the universal free school meals program has been substantial, as released figures show 101.7 million total lunches, and 48.6 million breakfasts served during the 2023-24 school year. The success, however, faces challenges following the Trump Administration's federal cuts to farm-to-school initiatives. Nonetheless, the state's recent budget includes significant funding—$180 million for continued meal programs and $750,000 for the Massachusetts FRESH grants—to encourage the sourcing and education about local foods.
A collective commendation was also presented to monthly Terrific Tray winners from various school districts for the creativity and use of local ingredients in their meal programs. These schools were recognized during a ceremony at the Healthy Kids, Healthy Programs Annual Summit, which centered on the connection between good nutrition and educational attainment. Each winner received not only public recognition but also a monetary boost; thanks to the Henry P. Kendall Foundation, schools claimed $2,500 each to invest back into their nutrition initiatives.
As part of the ongoing support for student nutrition, Massachusetts extends its provision beyond the academic year. During the summer, initiatives like Summer Eats and SUN Bucks ensure that students have access to free meals and additional food support, helping to sustain the well-being of students throughout the entire year.
