Letter: Eighty years later, are we still debating school lunch?

Illustration by Troy Becker / Forum Communications Opinion by Steven L. Johnson Today at 2:15 PM Listen Comments Share Share this article Letters To The Editor Letters To The Editor Ideas and conclusions submitted and held solely by readers, and do not reflect opinions of Forum Communications. The Trust Project What is this? On June 4, 1946, President Harry Truman signed the National School Lunch Act, recognizing the importance of child nutrition, national security and American agriculture. The program included public and nonprofit private schools. The National Defense Education Act of 1958 strengthened education, while the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 established Title I to support disadvantaged students. Free and reduced-price lunch eligibility later became an important measure of poverty in distributing educational resources. ADVERTISEMENT Eighty years later, North Dakota is still debating school meals. Legislative efforts failed by narrow margins, and now voters have narrowly rejected a constitutional amendment. After nearly 50 years in rural education, I believe we are overlooking an important economic consideration. We continually talk about attracting young families, sustaining rural communities, and keeping parents in the workforce. Goodness knows, we need them working! North Dakota School meals focus shifts to ND Legislature after measure defeated Nearly 51% of voters rejected the measure, while about 49% supported it, according to complete but unofficial results. Nov 5 · By Jacob Orledge and Michael Achterling / North Dakota Monitor School meals could save families approximately $1,000 per child annually. For three children, that's potentially $3,000 staying in the family budget and local economy. Interestingly, as a senior citizen, I receive subsidized meals at our local Senior Citizens Center. I appreciate that support. But shouldn't we extend similar consideration to young families raising our next generation? I understand concerns about costs and constitutional mandates. Those deserve discussion. But school meals are more than nutrition. They are about education, agriculture, workforce participation, and rural economic development. Eighty years ago, America recognized the importance of feeding children. Surely North Dakota can find common ground ADVERTISEMENT Steven L. Johnson is a rural educator and superintendent living in Lisbon, North Dakota. READ MORE OF THE LATEST LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Letter: Cops don't wear masks, so why do ICE agents have to? 1d ago Letter: We should honor those who have served 1d ago Letter: These elected officials are far from bizarre 1d ago Letter: Our wild horses deserve more than promises 6d ago Letter: Midterm elections always favor the party not in power Nov 6 Comments Share Share this article Letters To The Editor Letters To The Editor Ideas and conclusions submitted and held solely by readers, and do not reflect opinions of Forum Communications. The Trust Project What is this? Tags Tags LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Listen to this article Conversation ADVERTISEMENT What To Read Next Letters Letter: Healthcare costs are out of control Nov 5 · By Mary Ebert Letters Letter: Trump's weaponization of the Justice Department will come back to haunt him Nov 5 · By Jim Maxson Letters Letter: Don't fall for 'unclaimed money' pitch Nov 5 · By Thomas Beadle ADVERTISEMENT Get Local Must Reads Prep Day 1: 2026 NDHSAA State Girls Swimming and Diving Championships on WDAY+ 4h ago · By WDAY News Fargo Embattled recovery and reentry nonprofit F5 Project looks ahead after turbulent year 1h ago · By Tasha Carvell Minnesota Court documents: Human remains may be found in 1982 case of missing toddler near Bemidji 5h ago · By Matt Henson Prep Kindred advances to state volleyball tournament for first time in 10 years 16h ago · By Andrew Haugland