BISMARCK, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – It’s been a busy time at the capital, I would like to address the discussion of the School Lunch program. I am writing to communicate and affirm the North Dakota Legislature’s historical and ongoing
commitment to ensuring no student goes hungry during the school day.

In 2003, a significant step was taken with the passage of House Bill 1494, the “no shaming”, bill guaranteed every child in school could eat a full breakfast and lunch, each school day, regardless of the family’s ability to pay. No school can deny a child a school breakfast or lunch. This law reflects the legislature’s unwavering belief in the importance of access to nutritious meals for all students. After passing this requirement, it was simply a matter of deciding how these meals are
paid for. During the 2023 session, Senate Bill 2284 was enacted which allocated $6 million dollars to public schools to cover the costs of providing breakfasts and lunches to students from households with incomes at or below 200% the federal poverty guidelines. For a family of four, this is approximately $64,000. Through this, the legislature ensured that no child in need is hungry, and schools are financially supported to cover the costs. At the beginning of this year, approximately one-third of those dollars remained unspent. As we consider new legislation, it’s important to assess what has already been
accomplished and what is currently in progress to ensure clarity, avoid duplication, and measured outcomes.

This session, the North Dakota House of Representatives increased the threshold to 225% of the federal poverty line, approximately $72,000 for a family of four, expanding the state’s investment and providing greater support to families in need. This bill is currently under consideration in the Senate.

Some have asked why the legislature did not support House Bill 1475. While ensuring that no child goes hungry remains a priority, the bill presented financial challenges that could not be ignored. A key factor was that the federal government will not reimburse states for school meals unless they follow the means-based structure set by the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP) under the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Because federal funds only
cover meals for students who meet specific income requirements, North Dakota taxpayers would bear the full cost of expanding beyond those limits. Beyond funding concerns, the legislature also considered how to best target resources where they are most needed, ensuring a responsible and sustainable approach to school meal funding. The North Dakota Legislature has demonstrated its longstanding dedication to education through substantial financial support. This biennium,
approximately $2.4 billion, was allocated to the public school’s general fund with increases being proposed for the coming biennium. Local school districts have flexibility within this funding to meet the unique needs of their communities, including additional support for meal programs. This funding approach shows the legislature’s recognition that comprehensive support is essential for student success and wellbeing. As the 2025 session continues to unfold, the legislature remains committed to supporting every aspect of student success and will continue working this session to build a better future for all of North Dakota’s children and their families.

District 24 Representative Dwight Kiefert of Valley City.