North Dakota Constitutional Measure No. 2
Free school breakfast and lunch for all students · November 3, 2026 · Tax year 2028
What Constitutional Measure No. 2 would do
North Dakota Constitutional Measure No. 2 would require every public school to serve one free breakfast and one free lunch each school day to all enrolled students, starting in the 2027-28 school year.
What changes if it passes
- Lets nonpublic, Bureau of Indian Education and other tribal schools opt in.
- Requires the Legislature to identify a funding source, or else appropriate the money from Legacy Fund earnings.
- Covers all enrolled students; the Secretary of State’s guide describes this as pre-K through grade 12. The model covers kindergarten through grade 12.
Estimates at a glance
State cost per two-year budget
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PolicyEngine estimate
Official estimate
$124.3M to $134.3M
Secretary of State, 2026 general election measure guide, 2027-29 biennium
Students newly qualifying for free meals
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Students who would pay full or reduced price under current law
Current law and if it passes
| Group | Current law | If it passes |
|---|---|---|
| Household income up to 130% of poverty | Free | Free |
| 130% to 185% of poverty | Reduced price | Free |
| Above 185% of poverty | Full price | Free |
| Schools that already serve every meal free | Free | Free |
Who is affected
Families above 130% of the poverty line who buy school meals would no longer pay for them.
Key facts
- Vote needed
- A majority vote.
- Takes effect
- The 2027-28 school year.
- Years modeled
- Tax year 2028