North Dakota Voters to Decide on Free School Meals Ballot Measure

Together For School Meals collects over 57,000 signatures to get question on November ballot

Apr. 10, 2026 at 2:47am

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A stylized grid of brightly colored school lunch trays in neon blue, pink, and yellow, conceptually representing the push for free meals in North Dakota schools.A bold pop art interpretation of the push for universal free school meals in North Dakota, representing the campaign's energy and the impact it could have on students' lives.Fargo Today

The organization Together For School Meals has turned in more than 57,000 signatures to get a constitutional measure on the November ballot in North Dakota to provide free breakfast and lunch to all K-12 public and public charter school students. The measure would require the state legislature to fund the program, which supporters say will help students succeed in the classroom and lift the burden of rising food costs for families.

Why it matters

Access to free school meals is a critical issue for many families, especially as food prices continue to rise. This ballot measure could make a significant difference in the lives of North Dakota students and their families by ensuring all children have access to nutritious meals during the school day.

The details

The proposed constitutional amendment would require the North Dakota Legislature to fund free breakfast and lunch for all K-12 public and public charter school students. Nonpublic and tribal schools would also be able to participate if the measure is approved by voters. The funding would come from the state, relieving the burden on local school districts and families. Together For School Meals, the organization behind the effort, says the program will help students be more present and engaged in the classroom, while also supporting families struggling with the rising cost of food.

  • Together For School Meals turned in the 57,000+ signatures on April 10, 2026.
  • The North Dakota Secretary of State's Office has 35 days to verify at least 31,164 of the signatures for the measure to get on the November 2026 ballot.

The players

Together For School Meals

A North Dakota organization advocating for the constitutional amendment to provide free school meals for all K-12 students in the state.

Robin Nelson

Chair of Together For School Meals and Vice President of the Fargo School Board.

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What they’re saying

“Students are more present, teachers can focus on teaching and every child walks in with a fair shot to succeed.”

— Robin Nelson, Chair, Together For School Meals

What’s next

The North Dakota Secretary of State's Office must verify at least 31,164 of the 57,000+ signatures submitted by Together For School Meals within the next 35 days for the free school meals measure to be placed on the November 2026 ballot.

The takeaway

This ballot measure represents an important opportunity for North Dakota to join the growing number of states providing universal free school meals, which research has shown can improve academic outcomes and reduce food insecurity for families. If approved by voters, it could make a significant difference in the lives of students across the state.