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September 09.2025

2 Minutes Read

Vote Yes on LL and MM: Secure School Meals and SNAP Funding Now

Students enjoying school meals in cafeteria, Colorado ballot initiative school meals funding

Voters Face Key Decision on School Meals and SNAP Funding

As November approaches, Colorado voters are being called to action to support two pivotal ballot initiatives, LL and MM, designed to secure funding for the Healthy School Meals for All program and restore essential food stamp benefits cut by the previous administration. The voices of teachers, farmers, and advocates are rising in unison, urging residents to approve a tax increase for high earners that could ensure every public school child has access to nutritious meals.

A Call from the Community

Chef Daniel Asher, a prominent figure in the local culinary scene, is among those advocating for this initiative. He stresses that "every kid in Colorado deserves access to nutritious healthy meals at school made with ingredients grown locally that support our hard-working farmers." This sentiment resonates particularly as the state has shifted towards providing free breakfast and lunch to all public school children, a change initiated with voter support in 2022.

Addressing Financial Shortfalls

The original funding plan projected to raise over $100 million annually, but reality has fallen short, with a reported deficit of $56 million in the first year alone. With increasing participation rates—37% more students opting for breakfast and a 30% increase for lunch—the demand has clearly surpassed expectations. The shortfall puts the sustainability of this essential program at risk, highlighting the urgent need for the upcoming vote.

Future Implications for Food Security

If the initiatives are passed, Colorado could set a precedent for bolstering food security for its most vulnerable populations. Implementing these tax measures on households earning over $300,000 could not only reinstate SNAP benefits but also ensure that no student is left hungry during school hours. This would serve as a model for other states contemplating similar measures.

A Call to Action for Voters

As voters prepare for November, the power to influence the future of school meals and food support programs lies in their hands. Supporting initiatives LL and MM is more than just a vote; it is an investment in community well-being, local agriculture, and the health of children across Colorado.

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Vote Yes on LL and MM: Secure School Meals and SNAP Funding Now

Voters Face Key Decision on School Meals and SNAP Funding

A Call from the Community

Addressing Financial Shortfalls

Future Implications for Food Security

A Call to Action for Voters

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