Advocacy

Once and for all.

We won't stop until we find a permanent solution for all students across Idaho, ensuring no child goes hungry at school or faces lunch debt.

Permanent Solutions

Eight states in the US have eliminated school lunch debt by enacting free school lunch programs. Could Idaho be next?

  • Colorado's Free Lunch Program

    In 2022, bipartisan Colorado voters approved Proposition FF, also known as “Healthy School Meals for All Public School Children,” which funded a free school lunch program by reducing tax rebates and deductions for residents earning $300,000+ annually.

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  • California's Universal Meals

    California built on the federal National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP) with its Universal Meals Program (UMP). The state legislature allocates funds to provide state meal reimbursement to cover the cost of the UMP.

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  • Free Lunch In New Mexico

    In 2023, New Mexico became the fifth state to enact a permanent policy solution to eliminate school lunch debt. This universal school meals law was unanimously passed in both houses of New Mexico’s state government.

    Read Article

Elements of Successful, Permanent Solutions To School Lunch Debt

In Other US States

Free School Lunch For All

Eight US states have implemented free school meal programs to stop the accumulation of debt.

State and Federal Programs Work Together

Students apply first for federal assistance programs. Only if they cannot qualify can they apply for, and receive, state-funded meals.

Taxpayer Dollars Go To Causes That Count

State governments have made room in their budgets to fund ongoing free lunch programs.

Make Your Voice Heard

At the Idaho Lunch Debt Relief Foundation, we’re working towards an Idaho where every child can receive a nutritious meal at school, regardless of their family's financial situation. If this is something you believe in, take action to create change.

Elected Officials Directory: Enter your ZIP code here to find your elected officials. Access contact information to send them a message, share your concerns and influence policy decisions.

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What our community is saying:

  • “These kids should all be eating for free and our hard earned taxes we give should be supporting things like this. Feed these hungry children!”

    Ptacek A., IDLDR Supporter

  • “If school is a legal requirement by our states and federal government then they have a duty to feed the children they legally require to be there. We already pay so much in taxes - let feeding the children be something it covers."

    Amber R., IDLDR Supporter

  • “As a parent who has struggled financially and also watched my own mom struggle to pay for my school lunches when was little. Thank you, this is going to really change some people's lives.”

    Valorey L., IDLDR Supporter

  • “I do not understand how school lunches were free for the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 school years, but not any more.”

    Jessica M., IDLDR Supporter

  • "Thank you so much! As a mom who has had negative lunch balances for my kids and struggling to keep food on the table, this means the world to me!"

    Ashley M.

  • "My nephews in Nevada eat free. They live in one of the most prestigious communities in all of Las Vegas and every kid still gets a hot, fresh meal daily ♥️"

    Amanda J., IDLDR Supporter

  • "Every child deserves to eat regardless of if their family can afford it. School lunch balances add up and often aren’t a part of a families budget, many households do not qualify for free or reduced. This not only helps schools but also helps provide relief for parents and children."

    Jessica M., IDLDR Supporter