North Dakota lawmakers have advanced a significant piece of legislation that aims to provide free breakfast and lunch to every student in the state. The bill, which carries a proposed budget of $65 million for the 2025-2027 biennium, represents a major policy shift and has gained bipartisan attention.
If passed, the program would require public schools to offer one free breakfast and one free lunch daily to any student who requests one, starting July 1, 2026. The move is intended to address food insecurity and reduce financial burdens on families across North Dakota.
Key Takeaways
- A bill to provide universal free school meals in North Dakota has been advanced by the state's Legislative Management.
- The proposed budget is $65 million for the 2025-2027 period, funded by the state's Strategic Investment and Improvements Fund.
- The program would be mandatory for public and charter schools, with an opt-in for private and tribal schools.
- The legislation marks a reversal from previous sessions, with proponents citing strong public support and the need to address child poverty.
A Change in Legislative Stance
The advancement of this bill signals a notable change in direction for many lawmakers. In previous legislative sessions, similar proposals for universal free school meals were voted down. This time, the bill has found new momentum.
The bill's sponsor, Representative Mike Nathe, a Republican from Bismarck, acknowledged the shift. He pointed to overwhelming public backing as a key factor in moving the legislation forward.
"This bill is going to pass at the polls whether we like it or not, and that’s the other reason I went in, because public support for this bill is enormous," said Nathe.
This sentiment reflects a growing consensus that addressing student hunger is a priority. Past efforts, like those sponsored by Representative LaurieBeth Hager, a Democrat from Fargo, in 2023 and 2025, did not succeed. Now, the political climate appears more favorable for the initiative.
Details of the Proposed Program
The core of the legislation is a $65 million appropriation designed to cover meal costs for two years. This funding would be drawn from the state's Strategic Investment and Improvements Fund, a reserve used for long-term state projects.
How Funding Works
The program is designed to work in tandem with existing federal programs. The state would reimburse schools for the difference between the maximum federal reimbursement rate and the actual reimbursement received for each meal served. This ensures schools are made whole without passing costs to families.
Program at a Glance
- Total Funding: $65 million
- Period: 2025-2027 biennium
- Effective Date: July 1, 2026
- Coverage: One free breakfast and one free lunch per student, per school day.
While participation would be mandatory for public school districts, public schools, and public charter schools, the bill provides flexibility for other institutions. Nonpublic schools, tribal schools, and schools funded by the Bureau of Indian Education would have the option to opt into the program.
Addressing Child Poverty and Stigma
Advocates for the bill emphasize its potential to directly impact families and children facing economic hardship. Senate Minority Leader Kathy Hogan, a Democrat from Fargo, highlighted the scope of the problem.
"One in seven children in this state lives in poverty. Poverty is often invisible," Hogan stated.
Hogan noted that the current system, which requires families to apply for free or reduced-price lunch, can be a barrier. Some parents may feel embarrassed to complete the necessary paperwork or lack the time and resources to do so. A universal system removes this hurdle entirely, ensuring no child goes hungry at school due to administrative obstacles or social stigma.
Maximizing Federal Funds
Even under the proposed universal system, schools would still encourage parents to fill out applications for the federal free and reduced-price meal programs. Maximizing federal reimbursements is crucial to ensure the state's $65 million appropriation is used as efficiently as possible.
Representative Hager echoed this sentiment, arguing that school meals should be treated like other essential educational resources.
"We are a rich state, we’re a food basket of America," Hager said. "This is a way to get money directly to the families of this state. Many things in our education system are not income-based—we don’t do that for textbooks, we don’t do that for transportation."
By making meals universally available, proponents argue that North Dakota can ensure all students have the nutrition they need to focus on learning, regardless of their family's income level.