DENVER, CO — Colorado lawmakers are debating two proposed ballot measures that could secure additional funding for the state’s Healthy School Meals for All program, which provides free breakfast and lunch to every public school student. Originally approved by voters through Proposition FF in 2022, the program was designed to combat food insecurity among students by offering meals to all, regardless of income. While it has been hailed as a success, the program’s costs have exceeded expectations, prompting concerns over its financial sustainability.
The program, which was projected to cost between $48 million and $78 million annually, is now estimated to run closer to $150 million each year. This dramatic increase in expenses is largely due to rising food prices and changes in federal reimbursements, as well as a higher-than-anticipated demand for meals.
Madeleine Ashour, director of K-12 education policy at the Colorado Children’s Campaign, has been a vocal advocate for the program. She emphasized the importance of providing healthy meals to every child, saying, “Every single kid in Colorado needs healthy school meals or healthy meals every single day.” Despite the success of the initiative, Ashour acknowledged the financial strain it is placing on the state.
In response to the funding shortfall, lawmakers have introduced House Bill 25-1274, which proposes two ballot measures for voters this fall. The first measure seeks approval to retain excess revenue generated during the program’s first year, while the second calls for a tax increase on Colorado’s wealthiest residents to help cover the rising costs.
Under the proposed tax increase, the 194,000 Coloradans who earn more than $300,000 annually would see an average tax hike of $570. This tax adjustment follows a cap on charitable tax deductions for high-income earners that was implemented under the 2022 ballot measure.
State Rep. Lorena García, who is sponsoring the bill in the Colorado House of Representatives, stressed the urgency of the situation, calling it a “now or never” opportunity to secure the program’s future. She believes that these ballot measures are critical for providing the program with sustainable funding.
Teachers, too, have voiced support for the initiative. Alysia Bellamy, a teacher at Academy of Las Animas Online in Pueblo, described the program as a “lifesaver” for her low-income students. Many of the students at her school lack access to nutritious meals at home, and the free meals provided through the program ensure they receive proper nutrition during the school day. Bellamy pointed out that her students can visit a “drop-in zone” at school to get breakfast and lunch, which also serves as a place for socializing and completing schoolwork.
However, not all lawmakers are in favor of the proposed funding solutions. State Rep. Ron Weinberg, a Republican from Loveland, has expressed concern that the state needs more time to assess the program’s impact and identify the communities that most need the meals. He also worries that food waste might be a significant issue with the program. Weinberg has introduced two bills aimed at reducing food waste in schools: House Bill 25-1059, which would encourage school districts to adopt policies that minimize waste, and House Bill 25-1166, which focuses on expanding food donation and resale efforts.
Ashour responded to these concerns by asserting that food waste is not a significant problem in the program, noting that the priority should be ensuring all children have access to nutritious meals, especially those who might not otherwise receive them. “We’re putting healthy, nutritious meals in front of all Colorado kids, especially the ones who wouldn’t otherwise get those nutritious meals,” she said.
As the debate continues, Colorado voters will ultimately decide the fate of these proposed funding measures in the upcoming election, which will determine the long-term sustainability of the Healthy School Meals for All program.
