Bill to Continue Healthy School Meals for All Program Passes Senate

HB25-1274 would refer two ballot measures to determine the future of universal school meals

DENVER, CO – Today, the Senate passed legislation sponsored by Senate President Pro Tempore Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City, and Senator Katie Wallace, D-Longmont, to refer two ballot measures to Colorado voters regarding the continuation of Colorado’s Healthy School Meals for All program. 

“Kids in school should be thinking about their next math test – not worrying about going hungry,” Michaelson Jenet said. “In 2022, voters approved the Healthy School Meals for All program, which made a significant positive impact on Colorado students and their families. This bill will allow the voters to reaffirm their support for our state’s children and their educational success.”

“Every single Colorado kid, regardless of their income, should be able to eat a healthy, filling breakfast and lunch without worrying about the cost,” Wallace said. “The Healthy School Meals for All program has been extremely successful in Colorado – it has reduced the stigma associated with free and reduced lunch, helped Colorado kids succeed, and allowed families breathe a little easier with less strain on their budgets. This bill empowers Colorado voters to decide on the future of this beneficial program.” 

HB25-1274 would refer two ballot measures to Colorado voters in November 2025 to determine whether or not to continue funding the program as is, increase funding for the program, or scale it back. One ballot measure would ask voters if they want the state to be able to retain and spend state revenue on the Healthy School Meals for All program that was collected above the original estimate and would otherwise need to be refunded to taxpayers who earn over $300,000 a year. The second ballot measure would expand the program by further limiting tax deductions for those who earn over $300,000 a year. 

If at least one of the two measures is approved by Colorado voters, the bill would extend the local school purchasing program, which is set to repeal after FY 2025-26.

In 2022, Colorado voters approved Proposition FF, creating the Healthy School Meals for All program to provide all Colorado students free breakfast and lunch. The program was funded by limiting income tax reductions for taxpayers who have a federal adjusted gross income of $300,000 or more. The 2025-2026 budget, approved by the Colorado General Assembly in April 2025, fully funds the Healthy School Meals for All program through the end of the year.

HB25-1274 now heads back to the House for consideration of amendments. Track its progress HERE.