Free K-12 school meals could cost North Dakota up to $134 million
North Dakota lawmakers have finalized an official estimate for how much a ballot measure to provide free K-12 school meals would cost the state.
The Department of Public Instruction estimates the price at $124 million to $134 million every two years.
Amy Jacobson, executive director of the nonprofit Prairie Action North Dakota, said one critical component of the proposal requires the state to maximize federal reimbursement to supplement the program’s funding, adding the measure allows lawmakers discretion on funding sources.
“It is something that is going to be funded by the state,” Jacobson asserted. “But if there's ever a point in time where they find difficulty in doing that, we do direct them to use our state legacy fund, a pot of money that's meant to be there for the future of North Dakota, and we think if it ever needs to be tapped, this would be the perfect match.”
Voters will consider the measure on the November ballot. If passed, public schools would be required to provide one free breakfast and one free lunch to all students, starting in the 2027-28 school year.
Critics argued the state should not have to pay for free meals for families who can afford them. They also worry if fewer families apply for traditional federal free and reduced-price meal programs, the state could lose federal funding and face even higher costs.
Jacobson pointed out polling data consistently shows about 80% approval for universal school meals across diverse economic, political and ideological backgrounds.
“What we're talking about is a policy that is important, really almost universally, that really is unifying people and bringing people together,” Jacobson explained.
Jacobson stressed the program would save North Dakota families an average of about $1,000 per student each year.
Nine other states have adopted statewide policies to offer free breakfast and lunch to all public school students, including Minnesota.
