Friday, Nov. 21, 2025
Does Proposition LL fund free public school lunches for only low-income students?
Proposition LL allows the state of Colorado to keep extra taxes it collected from households making over $300,000 a year to continue a program that provides free school meals to all public school students regardless of income.
The Healthy Meals for All Program passed as Proposition FF in 2022. The measure reimburses public schools for lunches provided to students who are not covered by the federal free and reduced lunch program. Eligibility for federal assistance depends on family income.
Proposition LL passed with 66% of the vote in the November election. In addition to reimbursing public school food authorities, funds kept under LL will be used to pay stipends to school food preparers and to fund local food purchasing and technical assistance and education grants.
Colorado is one of nine states to offer free lunch to all public school students.
This fact brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.
Sources
- Legislative Council Staff House Bill 22-1414 Final Fiscal Note
- Colorado General Assembly Healthy Meals for all Public School Students
- Colorado Secretary of State 2025 Coordinated Election Results
- City of Denver Proposition LL
- Newsweek Map shows states offering free school meals
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