Volunteers take to the phones as campaign for free school meals measure begins

FARGO (KVRR) — Supporters of the ballot measure that would offer free school meals to students gathered to remind people to vote ‘Yes’ this November.

Volunteers first heard speakers from Together for School Meals coalition, who organized the event, as well as from the president of the AFL-CIO, who hosted it.

President of North Dakota United Nick Archuleta also spoke at the event, saying schools paying for student lunches is no different than schools paying for other school supplies like books, tablets, and gym equipment.

Supporters then received quick training on how to contact people and get them to vote this election season.

Together for School Meals Chair Robin Nelson says the organization is ready for the next step in the election process.

“Getting in touch with voters, and asking them to pledge to vote, is one of the key components in helping get this measure passed, so we’re pretty excited,” Nelson said.

Together for School Meals says enacting the policy would save families around $1,000 a year.