More kids will get free meals at schools thanks to the new state budget.

Currently, meals are free for all students. That runs out at the end of the school year.

Advocates wanted free meals to continue next year. Instead, the state will raise the income limit for free meals so thousands more students will qualify.

"It will pay for lunches in every school district for people who are at a certain income," said state Rep. Matt Ritter.

Leftover federal pandemic relief will pay for the program, which will cost about $17 million over the next two years.