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North Dakota voters rejected Measure 2, a proposed constitutional amendment requiring free school breakfast and lunch for all K-12 students. Complete but unofficial results showed nearly 51% voted against it, a margin of about 2,900 votes. The issue may return in the 2027 legislative session, where lawmakers could consider other approaches.
North Dakota voters rejected Measure 2, a proposed state constitutional amendment that would have required schools to provide free breakfast and lunch to every K-12 student and receive state reimbursement. Complete but unofficial results from the Secretary of State’s Office showed nearly 51% voted against it, with the measure losing by about 2,900 votes.
Measure 2 was placed on the ballot by citizen sponsors after the Legislature rejected similar proposals in recent sessions. If approved, it would have established a constitutional requirement for schools to serve free meals to all students in kindergarten through 12th grade, rather than limiting free meals to students who qualify under existing assistance programs.
The Department of Public Instruction estimated the universal program would cost $124.3 million to $134.3 million every two years, beginning in the 2027-29 period. Supporters argued that statewide free meals could reduce or eliminate school meal debt, ease costs for families and help students’ academic performance. Those were arguments made in support of the measure, not outcomes established by the vote.
Amy Jacobson, spokesperson for the campaign Together for School Meals, said supporters were disappointed but proud of their effort. She pointed to the nearly even vote as evidence that families’ financial pressures deserve attention. Voters interviewed by the report expressed different views: some backed the proposal because children need reliable access to food, while one opponent said existing assistance programs were available to families who signed up.
A Narrow Vote Leaves Policy Open
The result blocks the specific constitutional guarantee sought by Measure 2, but it does not end debate over school meals. The close margin indicates that the proposal drew substantial support as well as opposition, while leaving state officials and lawmakers without a statewide universal-meal mandate.
For families, the immediate policy setting remains a mix of federal eligibility programs and state rules. Students who are not enrolled in free or reduced-price meal programs may still be charged for meals, and unpaid balances can have consequences for families, according to the report. Supporters say a universal policy would remove those barriers; opponents have questioned both the cost and whether a detailed program belongs in the state constitution.
The vote also leaves lawmakers to decide whether to pursue narrower measures. Options raised in the report include paying off meal debt, improving meal offerings or directing assistance to students and families who need it. No replacement plan has been adopted as a result of the ballot outcome.
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Existing Meal Rules and Proposals
North Dakota already has policies intended to support students who cannot pay at the point of service. A 2023 law requires schools to provide a meal when a student requests one, even if the student cannot pay, and prohibits shaming students over meal costs. The rule does not make every meal free: schools may still charge students who are not enrolled in qualifying programs, and families can face collection efforts over unpaid balances.
The Legislature expanded state support in 2025 so that more families could qualify for free lunch, including those at up to 225% of the federal poverty level. The report also says some lawmakers worry that broader universal eligibility could reduce participation in federal paperwork-based programs and affect federal funding. A state official said many students qualify automatically because their families receive other federal assistance.
Supporters chose a ballot measure after similar legislative proposals failed. Opponents, including Gov. Kelly Armstrong, argued the policy should not be placed in the state constitution, which is harder to amend than ordinary law. That dispute over the measure’s form, as well as its cost and reach, shaped the debate.
“We obviously had wished tonight had ended differently, but we’re so incredibly proud of the work that we did together.”
— Amy Jacobson, spokesperson for Together for School Meals
The Next Policy Approach Is Unsettled
The unofficial results cited in the report show the measure lost by about 2,900 votes, but the source does not provide a final certified tally. It also does not specify how a replacement proposal would be funded or which students and families any future state program would cover.
Lawmakers have floated different approaches, but no agreement is reported. It remains unclear whether the 2027 Legislature will consider universal free meals, targeted assistance, debt relief or changes to meal quality and access. The effect of any future policy on federal funding would also depend on its design and on how students’ eligibility is documented.
Lawmakers Face a 2027 Decision
The next major opportunity for state action is expected during the 2027 legislative session. Jacobson said she hopes lawmakers will consider a law guaranteeing free school meals for all K-12 students, while Sen. Paul Thomas, a Republican from Velva, has said he plans to propose ideas that include larger portions, more nutritious options and help for students who lack sufficient food on weekends.
Axtman said she was not in favor of adding a similar policy to state law but believed progress could still be made. Whether lawmakers introduce or pass a proposal, and whether it would be universal or targeted, has not been decided. Until then, existing state and federal eligibility programs and North Dakota’s requirement to serve students who request a meal remain in place.
Key Questions
What did North Dakota voters reject?
Voters rejected Measure 2, a proposed constitutional amendment requiring schools to provide free breakfast and lunch to all K-12 students, with the state reimbursing schools.
How close was the vote?
Complete but unofficial results cited by the report showed nearly 51% voted against the measure. It lost by about 2,900 votes.
Does the vote end free school meal support in North Dakota?
No. Existing federal and state eligibility programs remain, and a 2023 state law requires schools to provide a meal when a student requests one even if the student cannot pay. The rejected measure would have made meals free for all K-12 students.
Could the Legislature take up the issue again?
Yes. The issue may return in the 2027 legislative session. Lawmakers have discussed possible approaches, but no replacement plan has been adopted or finalized.
Source: the74million.org
