Fargo, North Dakota: Voters Narrowly Reject Free School Meals in Measure 2

North Dakota voters narrowly rejected a constitutional amendment that would have guaranteed free breakfast and lunch to every K-12 student in the state. Measure 2 was rejected by nearly 51 percent of voters, according to complete but unofficial results published by the North Dakota Secretary of State's Office, and the margin of defeat was about 2,900 votes. The Associated Press count put the no vote at 119,152 and the yes vote at 116,263, a split of 50.6 percent to 49.4 percent.

What Measure 2 would have done

The initiated amendment would have required schools to provide free lunch and breakfast to K-12 students, with the state reimbursing schools for the cost. Supporters put the reach at about 125,000 enrolled students. The Department of Public Instruction estimated the program would cost $124.3 million to $134.3 million every two years, starting with the 2027 to 2029 budget cycle. Citizen sponsors placed the measure on the ballot after the Legislature rejected similar proposals in recent sessions. The campaign coalition, Together for School Meals, argued that a constitutional guarantee would end school meal debt, help students in class and give families direct relief on food costs.

What voters said

"We obviously had wished tonight had ended differently, but we're so incredibly proud of the work that we did together," said Amy Jacobson, spokesperson for Together for School Meals. She said the support from nearly 50 percent of voters "points to the fact that something more needs to be done to help our families in North Dakota."

In Fargo, Richard Orneles voted at the Fargodome and said Measure 2 was the issue he cared about most on the ballot. He was eligible for free meals while growing up in Fargo and remembered classmates who did not qualify and asked friends for food. "I think it's pretty important that every kid gets fed because there are parents that are unable to provide for their children," he said. In Bismarck, retired state worker Gary Dennis backed the measure with a short reason: "Kids need to eat." Bismarck voter Sandy Tessier voted no and pointed to the programs that already exist for families in need. "All they need to do is just come to the school and sign up for it," she said.

The case against, and what exists now

Opponents, including Gov. Kelly Armstrong, argued that a meals program did not belong in the state constitution, which is harder to change than a statute. Lawmakers have instead widened the existing system. In 2025 they expanded the free lunch program to families at 225 percent of the federal poverty level. A 2023 law already requires schools to give a meal to a student who asks for one, even without money to pay, and it bans shaming the student. Schools can still charge families who are not signed up for free or reduced price meals, and unpaid meal debt can be sent to collection agencies.

The fight moves to the Legislature

School meals are expected back in the 2027 legislative session. Sen. Paul Thomas has said he plans to propose changes that include larger portion sizes, more nutritious options and help for students who go without enough food on weekends. Sen. Michelle Axtman, who opposed putting the policy in the constitution, said the issue has not been "put to bed" and that lawmakers could find a way to use federal dollars better. Jacobson said she hopes lawmakers pass a law guaranteeing free school meals to all K-12 students in the session ahead.