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Healthy School Meals for All
Launched in School Year 2023–24, the Healthy School Meals for All program allows public School Food Authorities participating in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs to provide free meals to all students. Additional benefits, such as funding for staff wages and local food purchasing incentives, depend on state appropriations.
Program Requirements
Colorado public school districts, charter school food authorities, day treatment facilities, and Residential Child Care Institutions that participate in the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Programs may opt into the Healthy School Meals for All program. Participation is optional—School Food Authorities are not required to participate. Private schools are not eligible.
To participate, SFAs must:
- Provide annual notice of participation to CDE
- Maximize federal reimbursement by following CDE’s operating recommendations (such as CEP, Provision 2, and/or non-Provisional sites)
- Provide free meals to all students in participating schools
- Complete activities outlined in the HSMA Application Collection Policy (for sites not recommended for CEP).
How To Apply
SY 25-26 Application Instructions
SFAs will indicate whether they opt-in to the program via the School Nutrition Programs application in the Colorado Nutrition Portal. The application should reflect CDE’s operating recommendations in order to maximize federal reimbursements. Applications are due annually in September.
How to Claim
Sponsors operating the Healthy School Meals for All program will follow CDE School Nutrition's standard claiming guidance
Program Outreach
Use outreach materials to communicate about your participation in the program and communicate to families about the importance of providing household income information.
Use these videos to share information in your community about HSMA.
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