Together for School Meals
North Dakota's children deserve every opportunity to succeed, and ensuring access to nutritious, healthy meals is critical to that success. School meals provide more than just food—they offer a lifeline to families facing food insecurity and help every student thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. The time is now to guarantee access to school meals for all students, regardless of income, by implementing a permanent policy for healthy school meals for all.
A Proven Path Forward
School meals have been proven to support children’s health, reduce hunger, and improve academic outcomes. Participation in school meal programs is associated with better nutrition, increased consumption of fruits and vegetables, and a reduction in food insecurity by as much as 14%. These benefits extend beyond the classroom, lifting families above the poverty line and setting students up for lifelong success.
The Case for Support:
In 2023 alone, one in three children in North Dakota relied on food from the Great Plains Food Bank, underscoring the ongoing need for support. While federal programs help, nearly half of food-insecure children in the state are likely ineligible for federal nutrition assistance. That leaves too many families struggling to bridge the gap. North Dakota must act now to provide a safety net for every child in every corner of the state.
1 in 3 Children*: One in three children in North Dakota received food from the Great Plains Food Bank in 2023, highlighting the urgent need for systemic solutions to food insecurity.
All 53 Counties: Food insecurity affects families in every corner of the state, making this a statewide issue requiring a unified response.
45% Gap: Nearly half of food-insecure children do not qualify for federal nutrition programs, leaving thousands without access to critical resources.
National Momentum: Eight states, including California, Maine, and Colorado, have already implemented policies for school meals for all, reducing child hunger and improving outcomes.
School Meals: A Proven Path Forward
Together for School Meals North Dakota is calling for a School Meals for All Program to provide meals to every student in North Dakota. This initiative will help schools meet the needs of their communities, improve academic performance, and create healthier, more equitable outcomes for all children. Under this program, North Dakota families will save more than $850 per child each year.
School Meals for All Program Recommendations
The state will provide $140 million from the general fund to reimburse school districts for the cost of providing free meals to all students. The program is available to schools that participate in the federal National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP). The superintendent of public instruction will create guidelines and reporting requirements to ensure the program runs smoothly and is accountable.
Fiscal Estimate:
Total for two years: $140 million
Includes: $30 million for breakfast and $110 million for lunch
Funding Source:
Funds will come from the general fund or other recommended funding sources.
Additional recommendations for consideration:
Local Purchasing Grants: Provide school districts with grants to purchase food from North Dakota farmers and ranchers, creating a direct pipeline from local food to schools. This investment supports community needs and strengthens the state's agricultural economy.
Wage Boost Grants: Offer grants to school districts to increase wages and benefits for cafeteria workers, recognizing and improving the work environment for the critical staff who keep school meal programs running smoothly.
