Constitutional Measure 2Constitutional amendment · Citizen initiative
Free school breakfast and lunch
Explain it like I'm 5
Public schools would give every student one free breakfast and one free lunch each school day. It is like the state paying every child’s cafeteria bill, no matter the family’s income.
Yes vote
Public and charter schools would have to provide one free breakfast and one free lunch each school day, with the state covering remaining eligible costs.
No vote
The Constitution would not require free meals for every public-school student, so current federal and state programs would continue.
The question to ask yourself
Should North Dakota guarantee free meals for every public-school student, even when that requires permanent state spending?
The case for
- Universal meals could reduce hunger and help students focus.
- No child would be singled out for applying for free meals or carrying meal debt.
- The program could reduce food costs for families whose children do not currently qualify.
Backed by: Together for School Meals, North Dakota United, North Dakota Farmers Union, League of Women Voters of North Dakota, North Dakota AFL-CIO, Food Research & Action Center, Episcopal Diocese of North Dakota
The case against
- Constitutional spending requirements can reduce lawmakers’ future budget flexibility.
- The program would also subsidize meals for families who can afford them.
- Opponents prefer adjustable programs in ordinary law rather than a permanent constitutional requirement.
Opposed by: Governor Kelly Armstrong, State Senator Janne Myrdal, Representative Paul Thomas
- Money
- The official estimate is about $124.3 million to $134.3 million in added ongoing spending during the 2027-29 biennium, adjusted for inflation, with no new tax rate specified.
- Don't be misled
- It is misleading to say federal funding will pay for everything, because the measure requires the state to cover remaining eligible costs after available federal reimbursements.