Colorado Voters Face Choices on School Meal Funding Propositions

Colorado’s Healthy School Meals for All program, which provides meals for all schoolchildren in the state, is at risk of being discontinued. The initiative, in place since 2023, relies on voter support for its continuation. On the ballot for November 4, 2024, Proposition LL aims to fund the program through the end of the 2025-2026 school year, while Proposition MM seeks to sustain the program, assist schools in purchasing locally sourced food, and enhance wages and training for cafeteria workers.

Impact of Healthy School Meals on Students

As a parent of three children in the Durango School District, I have seen firsthand the benefits of the Healthy School Meals for All program. Research indicates that students perform better academically when they are well-nourished. Families, including mine, save significantly on food costs; the program can reduce expenses by as much as $1,300 per child annually.

Critics of the program often cite concerns about food waste in schools. However, Colorado schools have implemented strategies to minimize waste and ensure that excess food is utilized effectively. The continuation of HSMA is essential to prevent a return to a system where parents are charged for meals, potentially leaving many children without access to food during the school day.

Community Support for Propositions LL and MM

The potential discontinuation of HSMA would not only impact families in Durango but also across the state. Without voter approval of Propositions LL and MM, the program could end as soon as January 2026. This outcome would be detrimental, leading to increased financial burdens for parents and food insecurity for students unable to afford school meals.

It is crucial for residents of Durango, whether parents or not, to consider the broader implications of these propositions. Supporting HSMA means advocating for the health and well-being of all children in our community. I urge my fellow citizens to vote “yes” for both LL and MM to secure healthy school meals for all students in the Durango School District and throughout Colorado.

“We must prioritize the health of our children and ensure that they have the nutrition they need to thrive in their education,” stated Joseph Borum, a concerned parent.

As the election approaches, the choice is clear: supporting these propositions is an investment in our children’s future and their right to access nutritious meals at school.