Colorado school meal funding to support local producers

Colorado's Healthy School Meals for All Program is expanding its impact following voter-approved measures to increase income tax revenue and eliminate revenue caps. This additional funding is set to provide over $15.4 million in grants for local food purchases to more than 130 school districts and 14 charter schools for the 2026-27 school year.

This initiative serves as a financial lifeline for local producers, such as Nieslanik Beef, who are currently struggling with drought conditions, hay shortages, and rising equipment and supply costs. By purchasing directly from local farms and ranches, school districts can support the regional agricultural economy while improving food access.

In addition to food purchase grants, the program will allocate more than $8.4 million to 151 districts to increase pay for front-line cafeteria staff.