Hope Sisk

As students across the state settle in for another school year, North Dakota voters will decide whether to fund the food that fuels them.

If passed in the November general election, a constitutional measure brought forth by a citizen-led coalition – Together for School Meals – would require state funding for daily school meals. Measure 2 would provide one free breakfast and one free lunch each school day to every student enrolled in public schools and public charter schools. Private and tribal schools may also opt-in for the program.

Anyone who grew up watching “Tom and Jerry” understands the basics of a cat-and-mouse game. The cat devises a new scheme. The mouse finds a way around it. Then the chase begins again.

I dragged two suitcases full of everything I owned to the terminal desk of a California airport in 2013. My one-way ticket to North Dakota was a promise to myself I would seek the adventure I felt I needed. I was looking for something, but I didn’t yet know just what it was.

Before the military service or statewide public service, community service shaped Brian Kalk’s values.

Growing up in Bottineau, with a father employed by North Central Electric Cooperative, Kalk was inspired early to improve the quality of life for his neighbors. Cooperative values run deep in his story.