Republican Senators Spoil School Meal Bill

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January 23, 2026

BISMARCK – The North Dakota Senate shot down a bill to fund no-cost school lunches for every North Dakota student. An initiated measure for free school meals is likely to receive enough signatures to appear on the ballot in November. A 2024 poll from North Dakota United showed that 79% of North Dakotans support free school meals.

House Minority Leader Zac Ista remarked, “The Republican legislature has proven time and time again that they will not pass a popular bill to feed North Dakota kids and make life more affordable for families. This was the only chance we had to put money back in people’s pockets, and the Republican dominated Senate dropped the ball.”

Assistant Senate Minority Leader Josh Boschee (D-Fargo) said, “Democratic-NPL legislators have led this fight to find school meals for many sessions. In fact, the first bill I introduced during my first session in 2013 was to fund milk or juice for elementary students during their snack break if their families couldn’t afford it. We’ll continue to fight for North Dakota kids and join the majority of North Dakotans who will pass universal school meals on the ballot in November.”

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