Nutrition Programs

Apply to a specific program, submit a reimbursement claim and get access to program tools and resources for the child nutrition programs offered by the Colorado Department of Education.

Explore available programs through the Colorado Department of Education below.

Federal child nutrition programs

National School Lunch Program, established in 1946, allows school food authorities to provide nutritious lunches to students during the school year.
- Afterschool Snack Program allows schools to provide snacks to children after the regular school day ends.
- Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Program allows eligible elementary schools to serve fresh fruits and vegetables to students during the school day.
- Seamless Summer Option allows school food authorities to provide summer meals to children during summer break or during school vacation periods for year-round schools.
- Provisional Programs allow school food authorities to establish claiming percentages at eligible schools and all meals served to students are free.
School Breakfast Program allows school food authorities to provide nutritious breakfasts to students during the school year.
Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer Program helps families buy food during the summer months when school is not in session. Eligible families with receive $40/month per child ($120 total) to purchase groceries with funds placed on an EBT card.
Summer Food Service Program allows sponsors to provide free, nutritious meals to children and teens during the summer when school is not in session.
Special Milk Program allows sponsors to provide milk to children at schools or camps that do not participate in other federal child nutrition programs.

State child nutrition programs

Healthy School Meals for All Program allows public school food authorities participating in the NSLP or SBP to provide free meals to all students. Additional components of this program include funding to increase wages or provide stipends for front line kitchen staff and incentives to purchase local food.
Breakfast After the Bell Nutrition Program requires public schools with 70% or more students who are eligible for free or reduced-price lunch to offer all students breakfast at no cost after the tardy bell.
Start Smart Nutrition Program provides eligible school food authorities with an additional $0.30 in state funds for every reduced-price breakfast claimed. This program eliminates the $0.30 co-payment for reduced-price breakfast paid by families in all grades.
Child Nutrition Lunch Protection Act provides eligible school food authorities with an additional $0.40 in state funds for every reduced-price lunch claimed. This program eliminates the $0.40 co-payment for reduced-price lunch paid by families in all grades.