N.D. bill would provide free breakfast and lunch to students for the next 2 years

Lawmakers in North Dakota have introduced a bill to provide universal free breakfast and lunch to all public school students in the state for the next two years. 

If passed, HB 1413 would designate over $89.5 million to provide the free meals beginning July 1, 2021, and ending June 30, 2023. The funds would be sourced from the state’s Legacy Fund, which is derived from 30% of North Dakota’s oil and gas tax revenue. 

Schools throughout the country have been able to offer meals at no charge to any child under 18 due to the summer meal waivers issued by the USDA during the pandemic. The waivers are set to expire at the end of June.