Center for Regional Food Systems

The 10 Cents a Meal for Michigan’s Kids and Farms (10 Cents a Meal) program continues to reach more children in schools, districts, and childcare sites across Michigan, with the 2021-2022 school year serving the largest number of participating grantees yet. This was the second year that eligibility for the program was open to any schools or non-schools participating in the United States Department of Agriculture Child Nutrition Programs. 

The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) administers the 10 Cents a Meal program. For the 2021-2022 school year, MDE awarded over $2 million in grant funds to 257 grantees in 57 Michigan counties.  

Amplifying Impact with More Michigan Farms and Food shows the evaluation findings from the 2021-2022 10 Cents a Meal program. This report showcases 10 Cents a Meal’s impact by examining the faceted impact on Michigan kids, farms, and food service programs. From “What foods were served through 10 Cents?” to “The Big Picture: Does 10 Cents Work?”, this report provides key indicators towards progress achieved and future opportunities for growth.   

Overall, the evaluation finds that 10 Cents a Meal is making significant progress towards its two main goals to improve daily nutrition for children in school or childcare settings and invest in the Michigan agriculture economy. During the 2021-2022 program, more children, farms and food business were reached than ever before. An estimated 570,504 K–12 schoolchildren and 15,696 children through early care and education sites could have benefited by the program. Additionally, grantees reported purchases from 222 different farms and food businesses. 

Click the download button to explore the full report.  

To view the individual summary briefs, click on the titles below:   

• Executive Summary of 10 Cents a Meal 2021-2022 Evaluation Results  
• Overview of 10 Cents a Meal Evaluation Results for 2021-2022   
• Children Reached Through 10 Cents: Geographic Distribution and Demographics   
• Food Program Managers and Staff Participating in 10 Cents  
• Michigan Farmers and Vendors Participating in the 10 Cents Supply Chain
• What Foods Are Served through 10 Cents?
• The Big Picture: Does 10 Cents Work?   
• A Closer Look at Public School Grantees Participating in 10 Cents   
• Recommendations for Future Years of 10 Cents
• Technical Notes
• Key Definitions
• 10 Cents Evaluation Survey Questions and Response Rate in 2021-2022

For information about the regional distribution of 2021-2022 grantees and grantees over time: 

• 10 Cents a Meal 2021-2022 Grantees and Their Counties by MASA Regions 
• 10 Cents a Meal Grantees Across All Years 

Suggested Citation:   

McManus, M. & Matts, C. (2023). Amplifying Impact with More Michigan Farms and Foods: 10 Cents a Meal 2021–2022 Evaluation Results. Michigan State University Center for Regional Food Systems. foodsystems.msu.edu/resources/10-cents-a-meal-2021-2022-evaluation-results