North Dakota voters will decide on a constitutional amendment that would require schools to provide free meals to students.

The initiative, sponsored by Together for School Meals, would amend the constitution to require all public schools to provide one free breakfast and one free lunch to students each school day. Under the amendment, schools that provide these meals would be eligible for reimbursement if they first maximize federal reimbursements. If the Legislative Assembly is unable to identify a source of funds for reimbursement, the funds will be appropriated from the state's Legacy Earnings Fund.

The secretary of state’s office reported that Together for School Meals verified 49,338 valid signatures out of the 57,229 submitted in April. The campaign needed 31,164 signatures to qualify for the ballot.

According to the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction, an estimated 47,000 children in the state receive free or reduced-cost meals, out of approximately 120,000 K-12 students statewide. Currently, students are eligible for free breakfast and lunch programs if their household income is below 225% of the federal poverty guideline, which is estimated at $74,250 for a family of four.

According to the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction, the program under the initiative would cost an estimated $140 million over two years.

As of Sept. 2025, nine states had policies providing free breakfast and lunch to all students, while three states had policies providing free breakfast to all students. California became the first state to implement the policy (going into effect for the 2022-2023 school year), while New York was the most recent state to implement the policy for the 2025-2026 school year. Twenty-five (25) states, and Washington, D.C., have introduced a policy providing free meals to all students.

Robin Nelson, chair of Together for School Meals, said, “Providing school meals at no cost is one of the most effective, research-backed ways to strengthen academic performance, reduce stress on families, and give every child a fair shot.”

State Sen. Janne Myrdal (R-19) opposed the measure, saying, “Really know what you’re voting on. You’re voting on burdening yourself with taxes.”

Voters will decide the amendment along with two others on the Nov. 2026 ballot—one amendment that will change legislative term limits, and another that would require a 60% supermajority to approve new constitutional amendments. North Dakota voters will also decide on a constitutional amendment that would create a single-subject requirement for new amendments on June 9, 2026.