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DENVER, CO - The House today passed legislation sponsored by Representative Lorena García that would refer two ballot measures to Colorado voters regarding the continuation of the Healthy School Meals for All program. HB25-1274 passed by a vote of 40-22.
“Colorado children should never have to worry about where their next meal is coming from,” said Rep. Lorena García, D-Unincorporated Adams County. “The Healthy School Meals for All program has made a significant impact on the health and educational success of Colorado students, and it is imperative that we continue funding. This bill would allow voters to approve the continuation of this program to help put an end to child hunger.”
If HB25-1274 passes, the bill would refer two ballot measures to Colorado voters in the November 2025 election to determine whether or not to continue 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 otherwise would need to be refunded. The second ballot measure would expand the program by 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 2025-2026.
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.