Frequently Asked Questions
Measure 2
Our proposed measure is simple: every student in North Dakota would have access to one breakfast and one lunch every school day, at no cost to students, their parents, or guardians. Families can focus on their children’s learning and growth instead of worrying about covering the cost of school meals.
Under this proposal, all enrolled students could have their meals fully covered. While the measure doesn’t dictate exactly where the funding must come from, it ensures lawmakers will use the state’s Legacy Fund earnings if other resources aren’t sufficient.
We are parents, teachers, farmers, and advocates from every corner of the state, coming together to make this a reality through a citizen-led ballot initiative.
This is about more than meals, it’s about giving every child a fair shot to succeed, supporting families, and investing in the future of our communities. Every child deserves the fuel to learn, grow, and thrive, and this measure makes that possible.
Key Messages
1. Every Child Ready to Learn
North Dakota’s children deserve every opportunity to thrive academically, socially, andemotionally.
Meals at school do more than fill a stomach; they support focus, behavior, confidence, and overall well-being.
Universal meals are an investment in the whole community. When every child is fed, we remove stigma, simplify the system, and boost school participation—improving learning, health, and equity. Studies show universal meal programs increase participation, especially in middle and high schools, because no student feels singled out.
2. A Practical Solution for Families
Families save nearly $1,000 per student per year, freeing money for housing, healthcare, clothing, or extracurricular activities.
This financial relief reduces stress and gives children more opportunities to thrive.
3. Filling a Critical Gap
Nearly half of food-insecure children in North Dakota are ineligible for federal programs.
This measure ensures every child in every community has access to free school meals.
4. Proven Model & National Momentum
Eight other states have already implemented school meals for all, showing positive outcomes for children, families, and communities.
Universal meals improve nutrition, increase fruit and vegetable intake, and help lift families above the poverty line.
5. Broad Support Across North Dakota
This measure resonates across political and geographic lines because it is about kids, families, and fairness, not politics.
Community leaders, educators, and families see this as a commonsense policy to support students and strengthen our communities.
Frequently Asked Questions About North Dakota Measure 2
What would Measure 2 mean for students, families, and schools? Get answers about school meals at no cost to families, how funding would work, and what your vote means.
What is North Dakota Measure 2?
Measure 2 is a citizen-initiated constitutional amendment on North Dakota’s November 3, 2026 ballot. It would guarantee one breakfast and one lunch each school day at no cost to students or their families in public schools. Private and tribal schools could choose to participate.
What does a YES vote on Measure 2 mean?
A YES vote supports adding the school meals guarantee to North Dakota’s Constitution. A NO vote rejects the amendment.
When would school meals at no cost to families begin?
If voters approve Measure 2, the school meals requirement would begin with the 2027–28 school year.
Which schools would participate?
All North Dakota public schools, including public charter schools, would be required to participate. Private schools, Bureau of Indian Education schools, and other tribal schools could opt in. Colleges and universities are excluded.
Would my child qualify if our family earns too much for free or reduced-price meals?
Yes. At participating schools, the meals would be available to every enrolled student, regardless of household income.
Would Measure 2 cover both breakfast and lunch?
Yes. Measure 2 covers one breakfast and one lunch per student each school day.
How much could families save on school meals?
Together for School Meals estimates savings of approximately $1,000 per student each year. Actual savings would depend on current meal prices and how often a student eats school breakfast and lunch.
Don’t children who need help already qualify for free school meals?
Some do, but eligibility limits leave children out. Feeding America’s 2023 data shows that 51% of food-insecure children in North Dakota live in households above the income threshold for federal nutrition programs.
Families can earn too much to qualify for assistance and still struggle to afford food. Measure 2 would provide school breakfast and lunch to every enrolled student at participating schools, regardless of family income.
See Feeding America’s 2023 childhood food insecurity data.
How serious is childhood hunger in North Dakota?
The need is significant and growing. In 2023, Great Plains Food Bank reported serving one in three children across North Dakota and Clay County, Minnesota.
In August 2026, Great Plains Food Bank reported that its network helped more than 186,000 people across North Dakota and Clay County, Minnesota, during the previous year—a record for the organization. The same report noted a 23% increase in childhood food insecurity in North Dakota, citing Feeding America data.
Read the North Dakota Monitor report.
Explore Feeding America’s North Dakota hunger data.
Is food insecurity a problem in rural North Dakota, too?
Yes. People face hunger in all 53 North Dakota counties. Food insecurity affects families in rural communities, small towns, and cities. Measure 2 would guarantee school breakfast and lunch at no cost to families in public schools statewide.
Explore North Dakota KIDS COUNT’s county data.
Read Feeding America’s statewide hunger overview.
Why provide school meals to all students?
Every student needs food to get through the school day. Offering meals to everyone also reduces the stigma associated with receiving assistance and reaches children whose families fall outside existing eligibility limits.
How much would Measure 2 cost annually?
The official fiscal impact report estimates $124 million to $134 million for school meals during the 2027–29 biennium. That averages approximately $62 million to $67 million per year.
These are estimates, rather than a fixed annual spending amount.
How would school meals be funded?
Schools would maximize available federal reimbursements. The state would reimburse eligible schools according to the measure’s formula, subtracting other government reimbursements and adjusting rates annually for inflation.
The Legislature would identify another funding source. If it cannot, the required funding would come from the Legacy earnings fund.
Would Measure 2 spend the Legacy Fund’s principal?
The measure’s funding backup specifies the Legacy earnings fund, rather than the Legacy Fund’s principal. It also allows the Legislature to identify another source of funding.
Would families still be asked to complete meal applications?
Schools would still encourage families to apply for free or reduced-price meals to maximize federal funding. However, access to the meals provided under Measure 2 would extend to all enrolled students at participating schools.
Why put school meals in North Dakota’s Constitution?
Measure 2 would place the guarantee in Article VIII, the education section. Together for School Meals supports this approach because access to food is part of helping children succeed in school, and a constitutional guarantee provides lasting protection beyond an ordinary law.
Why are North Dakota voters deciding this issue?
Supporters used North Dakota’s citizen initiative process to bring school meals directly to voters. The Secretary of State verified 49,338 valid signatures, exceeding the 31,164 needed to qualify for the ballot.
Who supports Measure 2?
Together for School Meals brings together parents, educators, farmers, health advocates, faith communities, labor organizations, and Tribal partners.
Coalition members include North Dakota United, North Dakota Farmers Union, Great Plains Food Bank, the American Heart Association, the North Dakota School Nutrition Association, ND-AFL CIO and MHA Nation.
See the coalition’s participating organizations.
Do North Dakotans support school meals for all students?
The campaign’s “Case for Support” cites polling showing 79% support for providing school meals to all children.
Do other states provide school meals at no cost to families?
Yes. The Food Research & Action Center lists nine states implementing universal school breakfast and lunch: California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, New York, and Vermont.
Where can I read the full measure and official cost estimate?
Read these documents posted by the North Dakota Secretary of State:
Vote YES on Measure 2 on November 3, 2026, for school meals at no cost to families.
Updated: October 8, 2026