North Dakota voters reject free school meals measure

Measure 2 falls short

North Dakota voters rejected Measure 2, which would have required schools to offer free breakfast and lunch to all K-12 students. The state would have reimbursed schools for the cost.

Complete but unofficial results published by the North Dakota Secretary of State’s Office showed nearly 51% of voters opposed the constitutional amendment.

A group of sponsoring citizens placed the measure on the ballot after the North Dakota Legislature rejected similar proposals in recent legislative sessions.

Cost and arguments

The North Dakota Department of Public Instruction estimated the program would cost between and every two years, beginning with the 2027-29 budget period.

Supporters argued that universal meals would eliminate school meal debt, help students in the classroom and reduce costs for families. Amy Jacobson, a spokesperson for Together for School Meals, said the close result showed that many voters want additional help for North Dakota families.

Opponents, including Gov. Kelly Armstrong, argued that a school meals policy did not belong in the state Constitution, which is more difficult to change than state law. Other opponents pointed to assistance programs already available to families based on income.

Existing meal assistance

North Dakota lawmakers expanded eligibility for free school lunches in 2025 to families with incomes up to 225% of the federal poverty level, adding state support to the federal meal program.

Some lawmakers raised concerns that universal meals could reduce federal funding if families stopped completing federal program paperwork. A state official said many students qualify automatically because their families participate in other federal programs.