Colorado voters approved two ballot measures on Tuesday that aim to fully fund free meals for all K-12 public school students, provide raises or stipends for cafeteria workers, and establish grants for schools to purchase fresh food from local farmers. The measures were passed with significant majorities, reflecting strong public support for the initiatives.
Unofficial results released by the Colorado Secretary of State’s office on Wednesday showed that Proposition LL received 64.66% of the vote, compared to 35.34% for opposition. This measure allows the state to use $12.4 million in tax revenue, including interest, collected under a previous initiative known as Proposition FF. The funds will support the Healthy School Meals for All Program, which provides free breakfast and lunch to students and offers grants for schools to purchase locally sourced food.
Proposition MM, which seeks to raise taxes on households with annual incomes exceeding $300,000 to support the meal program, was approved with 58.07% of the vote, against 41.93%. The measure was designed to address funding shortfalls in the existing program and was partly influenced by the so-called One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed by former President Donald Trump. This legislation resulted in the largest-ever cuts to the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP), primarily to fund tax reductions for high-income individuals and corporations.
Anya Rose, director of public policy at Hunger Free Colorado, expressed relief following the passage of the measures. She noted that hunger remains a pressing concern for many families, and the program has become increasingly vital amid economic challenges. “This is an incredibly popular program that is more important now than ever,” she said, emphasizing the need for continued support.
Joe Kabourek, who led the Keep Kids Fed campaign, praised the efforts of voters, volunteers, and community partners in securing the approval of the measures. He stated that the passage ensures every child in Colorado can access a healthy meal at school.
As of now, nine U.S. states have enacted laws providing free meals to all public school students, regardless of family income. These include California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, New York, and Vermont. Several cities, such as Boston, Chicago, Detroit, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C., have also implemented similar programs.
Betsy Hayes, a Denver resident, shared her personal experience with the stigma associated with free school meals. She described how her children faced embarrassment and discrimination from peers due to their need for assistance. “I really would like other kids not to have to go through that,” she said, highlighting the emotional impact of such situations.
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