The stakes for propositions LL and MM, by the numbers
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The ability of hundreds of Colorado schools to serve free meals to all students hinges on how voters decide two propositions on this year's statewide ballot.
Why it matters: Just as the Republican-led Congress and government shutdown threaten to curtail food assistance, Colorado is considering filling some gaps with higher income taxes on families that earn more than $300,000 a year.
State of play: Propositions LL and MM would collectively provide an additional $107 million to the Healthy School Meals for All program, a 2022 voter-approved initiative that provides free breakfast and lunch to all students in participating districts.
- It would also send money to the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP), which is losing some federal funding.
By the numbers: Here are key numbers that provide a better look at the impact of the ballot measures.
- $50 million: The current shortfall the Healthy School Meals for All program is experiencing because of its popularity and increasing food costs.
- 80%: The portion of Colorado schools that would still be eligible for free student meals through other programs, according to an analysis from our partners at Chalkbeat.
- 380: The estimate of Colorado schools that would lose free meals for all students.
- 30 million: The number of free breakfasts served in the 2023-24 school year, the first to offer universal free meals, according to state figures. That's a 37% increase from the prior year.
- 71 million: The number of free lunches served in the program's first year, an increase of 30%.
- 40%: The portion of free breakfasts that fed students who otherwise were not eligible for discounted meals based on income or need.
- 51%: The portion of free lunches that went to students who were not otherwise eligible for discounts.
- 193,000: The number of individuals and families earning more than $300,000 a year who would see their taxes increase an average of $535 a year, effectively a 6% increase, if the measure passes, according to a legislative analysis.