North Dakota legislators are set to debate a pair of bipartisan bills on Monday that could bring free school meals to students across the state. Advocates say the move would not only help struggling families but also improve students’ ability to focus and succeed in school.
Two Bills, One Goal: Free Meals for All Students
Lawmakers will hear testimony on two separate bills that share the same objective—funding free breakfasts and lunches for all students, regardless of household income. The key difference lies in where the money would come from.
- House Bill 1475 proposes using the state’s general fund.
- House Bill 1553 suggests pulling from the state’s Legacy Fund, a reserve built from oil and gas tax revenues.
The estimated cost? A hefty $140 million over two years. But supporters argue the benefits far outweigh the price tag.
Addressing Hunger and Academic Success
Advocates for the bills stress that hunger remains a major barrier to learning. Michelle Wagner, from the North Dakota School Nutrition Association, puts it plainly: “Students can’t learn if they’re hungry. And we know that many families are struggling to just keep up with grocery bills.”
Statistics back up those concerns. In the 2023-24 school year:
- More than 15 million school lunches were served to North Dakota students.
- Over 5 million breakfasts were provided.
If meals were free, advocates predict those numbers would climb significantly, ensuring that no child starts the school day on an empty stomach.
A Growing Movement Nationwide
North Dakota is not the first state to consider universal free school meals. According to the Food Research and Action Center, eight states already offer free meals to all students, regardless of income. Those states include:
State | Year Implemented |
---|---|
California | 2022 |
Colorado | 2023 |
Maine | 2022 |
Massachusetts | 2023 |
Michigan | 2023 |
Minnesota | 2023 |
New Mexico | 2023 |
Vermont | 2023 |
Research suggests the policy has real benefits. A study in the Journal of the American Medical Association analyzed data from over 11,000 schools with free meal programs. The results? Higher participation in school meals and noticeable improvements in student attendance.
Supporters Say the Time Is Now
The Together for School Meals coalition, which includes the North Dakota School Nutrition Association, Great Plains Food Bank, and local school boards, has been pushing for a statewide program.
Fargo School Board member Robin Nelson is among those backing the bills. She points to growing awareness of the connection between proper nutrition and academic success. “This is about setting students up to succeed, plain and simple,” she said.
With bipartisan support, the proposals have a real shot at passing. Monday’s hearing will be the first step in determining whether North Dakota joins the growing list of states making universal free school meals a priority.
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