The House Education Committee of the North Dakota State Legislature convened on February 10, 2025, to discuss critical legislation regarding school meal funding. The primary focus was on House Bill 15 53, which aims to provide free school lunches for all students in both public and non-public schools, utilizing earnings from the state’s legacy fund as a funding source.

Representative Lori Beth Hager, who introduced the bill, highlighted the pressing need for free school lunches, particularly in low-income districts like hers in Fargo. She referenced a recent statewide poll indicating that 82% of North Dakotans support state involvement in providing free school meals. Hager emphasized that the legacy fund, established in 2010 and currently valued at over $11 billion, could serve as a sustainable funding mechanism for this initiative.

The meeting included a detailed timeline of previous legislative efforts related to school meal funding, noting that past attempts to secure funding through general funds had faced challenges in the Senate. Hager pointed out that without the passage of this bill, many families would again be burdened with school lunch costs, which could lead to increased financial strain and food insecurity among students.

Several testimonies were presented in support of House Bill 15 53. Landis Larson, President of the North Dakota FLCIO, reiterated the coalition's backing for the bill, while students from various schools shared personal experiences highlighting the struggles faced by families in affording school lunches. Carter Hass, a student leader, argued that access to food is a fundamental human right and urged legislators to prioritize the health and well-being of children.

Michelle Wagner, the child nutrition program director for Bismarck Public Schools, provided poignant examples of students going hungry due to negative lunch balances, illustrating the real-world implications of inadequate meal funding. She stressed the importance of ensuring that all children have access to nutritious meals during the school day, regardless of their family's financial situation.

The committee allocated time for public testimony, allowing various stakeholders to voice their opinions on the bill. The discussions underscored a shared commitment to addressing food insecurity among students and the potential benefits of utilizing the legacy fund for this purpose.

In conclusion, the House Education Committee's meeting highlighted the urgent need for comprehensive school meal funding solutions in North Dakota. With House Bill 15 53 on the table, legislators are faced with the opportunity to create a lasting impact on the health and educational outcomes of students across the state. Further discussions and testimonies are expected as the committee continues to evaluate the bill's implications and potential for passage.