Legislative Management Moves Forward Universal School Lunch Bill

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January 20, 2026

BISMARCK – Legislative Management moved forward a bill to fund no-cost school lunches for every North Dakota student. After voting down this popular policy in past legislative sessions, Republican lawmakers feel the pressure to preempt a constitutional initiated measure for universal school meals.

“We are a rich state, we’re a food basket of America,” said Rep. LaurieBeth Hager (D-Fargo), “This is a way to get money directly to the families of this state. Many things in our education system are not income-based—we don’t do that for textbooks, we don’t do that for transportation.” Hager sponsored bills to enact universal free school lunches in 2023 and 2025.

Senate Minority Leader Kathy Hogan (D-Fargo) remarked, “One in seven children in this state lives in poverty. Poverty is often invisible.” Hogan emphasized that parents may feel embarrassed or not have the capacity to complete the current paperwork to sign their children up for free or reduced lunch.

CONTACT:
Laura Dronen
Communications Director
(701) 566-0616
laura.dronen@demnpl.com