Both ballot measures will fund free breakfast and lunch for all Colorado public school students
DENVER (October 14, 2025) – In alignment with its vision for a high-quality education for every student in Denver Public Schools (DPS) Denver Families Action announced their endorsement Tuesday for Propositions LL and MM in this year’s election. Both measures create additional funding to ensure every public school across the state provides a free breakfast and lunch to all students.
“I relied on free school meals growing up, and I know how vital they are for a child’s ability to show up ready to learn,” said Clarence Burton Jr., CEO of Denver Families Action. “Access to healthy school meals is a matter of equity, it levels the playing field so every student, no matter their family’s income, has the opportunity to thrive in school.”
With dramatic federal cuts made by Congress to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), more than 300,000 Colorado families – including children – are at risk of losing access to healthy meals. Propositions LL and MM would help fill that gap in Colorado and fully fund the state’s Healthy School Meals for All program.
“Knocking on doors in neighborhoods throughout Denver, we are personally seeing on a daily basis the struggle that our neighbors face in putting food on the table,” said Cynthia Barragán, a community organizer with Denver Families Action. “It’s vital that we vote ‘yes’ on LL and MM not only to support Colorado families, but to make sure our kids are able to be kids, focused on learning, exploring and developing at school without worrying about where their next meal will come from.”
While Proposition LL allows the state to retain existing revenue for healthy school meals, Proposition MM’s limit on state income tax deductions will only impact households making $300,000 per year or more. The measures also incentivize school districts to purchase locally sourced food from Colorado farmers and ranchers.
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About Denver Families Action
Denver Families Action is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization dedicated to uplifting the voices of public school families, educators, and community members across Denver. Denver Families Action develops and supports the next generation of education advocates and leaders through hands-on training and leadership programs that empower families, educators and community members to shape the future of public education.
