State Budget Includes Continued Funding for School Meals

Phoenix, AZ – On the release of the FY-2026 Arizona State budget, anti-hunger advocates celebrate the ongoing investment of $3.8 million for school meals, feeding eligible children in low-income families across the state.  

Last year, Governor Hobbs made Arizona history with this first-time state funding, which covers the copay of 40 cents for lunch and 30 cents for breakfast that families within a certain income threshold pay for reduced-price school meals through the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program.  

The policy change in the FY-2025 budget resulted in a 28 percent increase in school meals served to low-income students, and it meant one less daily expense that Arizona’s parents needed to worry about.  

“About 40,000 kids will have access to breakfast and lunch thanks to this decision, and that’s something for Arizonans to be proud of,” said April Bradham, President and CEO of the Arizona Food Bank Network. “We are grateful to Governor Hobbs, Representative Nancy Gutierrez, and the Arizona legislature for listening to the data which shows we can and should continue this funding.” 

Arizona State University Food Policy and Environment Research Group published a report in 2024 confirming that consumption of school meals is directly linked with greater food security, reduced obesity rates, and improved physical and mental health. 

Meanwhile, the rate of hunger is on the rise in Arizona with 1 in 5 children experiencing food insecurity, according to the most recent Feeding America data. In the first half of 2025, food banks across the state have been serving approximately 700,000 individuals collectively each month. 

“School meals are very important because sometimes kids don’t have supper at home…this way, at least they go home with full tummy,” said Rosa Ramirez, who has worked in the Creighton School District’s school lunch program for 27 years.   

Arizona’s $3.8 million investment in school meals takes the pressure off school nutrition staff and program providers, ensures that children who may be food insecure have guaranteed meals during the school day, and contributes to a hunger-free Arizona.