Center for Regional Food Systems

What is 10 Cents a Meal for Michigan’s Kids and Farms? 

10 Cents a Meal for Michigan’s Kids and Farms (10 Cents) helps schools source and serve fresh and minimally processed (including frozen) Michigan-grown vegetables, fruits, and legumes. One of the first of its kind in the United States, this state-funded program matches what schools spend on fresh Michigan-grown products with grants of up to 10 cents per meal. 

Who can participate? 

The 10 Cents program launched as a pilot during the 2016-2017 school year in northwest lower Michigan. Grantees of the program are participating schools and early care and education sites across the state of Michigan that have applied for this match grant funding. They receive funding to purchase Michigan grown produce and are provided with sourcing information and recipes.  

As of the 2020-2021 school year, eligibility expanded to every county in Michigan. Review this resource to see all of the participating 10 Cents grantees from 2016 to 2022. 

The Michigan Department of Education administers 10 Cents. Since the program launched in the 2016-2017 school year, a core team has supported 10 Cents: MSU Center for Regional Food Systems has provided evaluation, Groundwork Center for Resilient Communities supplied communications and advocacy, and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development assisted with food and agriculture connections. 

To learn more about 10 Cents, visit tencentsmichigan.org.