Two Options For Free School Meals in North Dakota

(Photo by Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)

(North Dakota Monitor) – Two bills that would address free or reduced school meals for North Dakota students will be considered by state lawmakers this week.

One bill, sponsored by Rep. Mike Nathe, R-Bismarck, would mandate the state cover the cost for free school meals for K-12 students and mirrors a constitutional ballot measure. The Together for School Meals coalition is gathering signatures to put the issue to a statewide vote in November.

While the ballot measure would add the meal program to the state constitution, the bill would add the program to state law, making it easier for lawmakers to adjust if the program becomes too costly.

“We have talked to the supporters of the initiated measure and they are in full support of this bill,” Nathe said.