Free school lunch measure approved for November ballot in North Dakota

BISMARCK, N.D. (KVRR) –  A constitutional measure to fund school lunches will appear on the ballot in November across North Dakota.

Secretary of State Michael Howe reviewed the petitions submitted to his office in April and accepted nearly 50,000 of the more than 57,000 signatures submitted.

The measure needed more than 31,000 signatures to get on the ballot.

“Together for School Meals” is the group behind the effort to ensure every K-12 student has access to breakfast and lunch each day at school at no cost.

The measure would require schools to maximize federal reimbursement and tap into Legacy Fund earnings if necessary to support the program.

“This is a huge milestone,” said Robin Nelson, Chair of Together for School Meals. “North Dakotans from every corner of the state worked to place this on the ballot because this issue is real, it is urgent, and it is deeply connected to the future we want for our children. Now, voters will have the chance to say yes to a practical, commonsense solution that supports students and eases pressure on family budgets.”

The group is hosting a campaign kick-off event on Tuesday at Fargo Labor Temple from 5:30–7:30 p.m.