Data-Driven, Laser-Focused on Kids
Child Nutrition Index
Minnesota’s children receive a fraction of the food available to them through federal meal programs.
Our powerful, proprietary Child Nutrition Index (CNI) identifies populations by meal program and meal participation. We calculate missing meals and work with communities to customize programs that will close this gap.
Our CNI is used to help Minnesota children increase participation in U.S. Department of Agriculture food and nutrition programs.
2025 surpassed 2019 meals served reaching 11 million additional meals provided to children at schools, in after school programs, during the summer and at childcare centers.
meal participation.
Comparing October 2019 and October 2025, data reflects the number of children served before and after the pandemic.
Our aim is to increase the number of sites serving meals and the number of kids participating.
The Free School Meals program should continue to boost breakfast and lunch participation during the 2025-26 academic year.
UNIVERSAL MEALS
The jury is still out on the cost to Minnesota on Universal Meals for ALL
It was easy to do given the state reserves at the time, but the annual cost is staggering and well above predictions.
For fiscal year 2024-25 the cost to the state was nearly $295 million. Feeding students regardless of their economic status may not be sustainable.
Reason for hope
CNI’s master database combines data from the the Minnesota departments of Education, of Health, and of Human Services.
This expansive database can pinpoint needs, their severity, and the corresponding federal reimbursement revenue potential, leading to strategic and cost-effective changes.
Our independent evaluation partner, EnSearch, Inc., is responsible for creating the CNI, synthesizing and analyzing of data, and determining our progress.