Colorado votes on the future of free school meals

BALLOT MEASURES LL AND MM AIM TO SUSTAIN NUTRITIOUS SCHOOL MEALS

Newsroom El Comercio de Colorado

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This November, Colorado voters will decide whether the state can maintain and expand the “Healthy School Meals for All” program, which provides free breakfasts and lunches to public school students. Measures LL and MM, included on the November 4 ballot, will determine whether the funds needed to sustain this benefit remain available statewide.

Measure LL seeks authorization for the state to keep already collected tax revenues designated for the program, which is funded by limiting deductions for those earning more than $300,000 per year. If approved, the funds will remain available to continue free meals during the school year. If rejected, the money would be returned to higher-income taxpayers.

Measure MM, in turn, would increase program funding by further adjusting tax deductions for that same high-income group (those earning over $300,000 per year). This would ensure the program’s long-term operation and improve food quality. It would also help offset federal cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Universal access to fresh meals

“Both measures are essential to maintaining universal access to fresh, nutritious, scratch-cooked meals in Colorado schools,” said Erika Cervantes, spokesperson for Hunger Free Colorado. She explained that LL would preserve already generated funds, while MM would raise additional resources to improve school kitchen infrastructure, increase cafeteria workers’ wages, and strengthen local food purchasing from farmers.

Cervantes emphasized that the program “has proven to be direct support for working families,” saving them an average of $1,300 per child per year. During its first year, student participation increased by 30%, highlighting both the need and positive impact of the plan. “When kids eat well, they’re healthier, more focused, and miss fewer classes,” she said.

If the measures are not approved, the program could be significantly reduced starting in January 2026, forcing families to reapply for benefits based on income. Cervantes noted that the proposals do not involve new taxes for most residents, since they only affect about 6% of the highest-income taxpayers.

Colorado vota por el futuro de las comidas escolares gratuitas

A call to vote

“This is an investment in Col o rado’s future. Ensuring healthy meals for our children also strengthens our communities and local economy,” Cervantes stated. Supporters of the measures are urging voters to take part. “We want everyone to speak up and support LL and MM. Keeping our kids fed is everyone’s responsibility,” she concluded.