Let’s Talk About School Meals
Initiated Measure Summary
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.
Q&A – Together for School Meals Ballot Measure
Q: How does this measure ensure that school meals are provided to students?
A: The measure would require all public schools to provide breakfast and lunch to every enrolled student, funded through legislative appropriations. Private schools, Bureau of Indian Education schools, and other tribal schools can opt in, while colleges and universities are excluded. Lawmakers are directed to use Legacy Fund earnings if other funding sources aren’t sufficient, ensuring no child goes without meals at school.
Q: How much will this program cost?
A: Neutral testimony from the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction estimated the cost at $140 million per biennium. Schools will also maximize federal reimbursements by participating in all applicable programs and encouraging families to apply for free or reduced-price meals, helping offset state costs.
Q: Why are we amending the state constitution?
A: The proposed amendment would be added to Article VIII, Education, where the state establishes and directs public education. This aligns school meals with the state’s educational mission and signals that access to meals is a core responsibility of the state—essential to children’s learning, health, and opportunity to thrive.
Extended version: The proposed amendment would be added to Article VIII, Education, where the Constitution directs the establishment of the public education system. By enshrining the right to free school meals in the North Dakota Constitution, we ensure that access to nutritious food is recognized as a fundamental part of every child’s education. This approach goes beyond simply passing a law, which can be changed or repealed by future legislatures. Embedding this responsibility in the Constitution signals that providing meals is a core duty of the state- essential to children’s learning, health, and opportunity to thrive. Every student deserves the chance to succeed in school without the barrier of hunger, and this amendment reflects North Dakota’s commitment to their well-being and future.
Q: What are the savings for families?
A: Parents will save nearly $1,000 per student per year. These savings help families cover essentials like groceries, housing, healthcare, and extracurricular activities. Reducing financial stress allows parents to focus on supporting their children’s education and growth.
Q: What is the public support for this measure?
A: Support is overwhelming and consistent. Repeated polling shows 79% of North Dakotans support providing free school meals for all children, with strong backing across party lines, income levels, and regions. Feeding students is recognized as a commonsense, unifying investment in children, families, and the state’s future.
Q: Can private schools participate?
A: Yes. Private schools, Bureau of Indian Education schools, and other tribal schools can opt in, ensuring all children in the state—public and private—have access to free meals at school.
Q: How does this help students academically and socially?
A: Well-fed students can focus on learning, engage more in class, and demonstrate better behavior. Research shows students with consistent access to breakfast and lunch have higher test scores, improved attendance, and stronger social-emotional skills. Universal meals reduce stigma and help children feel secure, confident, and included.
Q: Why is this necessary now?
A: In 2023, one in three children relied on the Great Plains Food Bank, and nearly half of food-insecure children don’t qualify for federal programs. Families face rising costs for housing, healthcare, and groceries. Past legislative efforts to provide meals for all children have failed, leaving gaps in support. This citizen-led ballot initiative ensures every child can succeed, supports families, and invests in the future of North Dakota.
Q: How will this program be funded?
A: The state will determine fund allocation. If necessary, the Legacy Fund earnings can be used as a backup to ensure the program is fully supported.
The Case for Support
1 in 3 Children: One in three North Dakota children relied on the Great Plains Food Bank in 2023.
All 53 Counties: Food insecurity affects families statewide, requiring a unified response.
45% Gap: Nearly half of food-insecure children don’t qualify for federal programs.
National Momentum: Eight states have implemented universal school meals, improving child outcomes.
Widespread Public Support: Polling shows 79% support for providing free school meals.
Why it matters: This isn’t a partisan issue. It’s about putting kids and families first, ensuring every child can focus on learning instead of hunger, and making investments that strengthen our communities and North Dakota’s future.
Prepared: November 21, 2025