Local Food Program
Colorado’s Local Food Program funds schools to buy Colorado-grown foods for student meals, supporting local agriculture and nutrition education through school-community partnerships.
Funder: Colorado Department of Education
Due Dates (Anticipated): May 2027: Local Food Program non-competitive application / program materials due in GAINS (projected) | June 2027: Local Food Program sponsor application due in GAINS by 4:00 PM (projected)
Funding Amounts: $0.25 per lunch served in SY 2024-25 for SY 2026-27; minimum award $5,000; one-year term; additional funds possible via reallocation.
Summary: Funding for school nutrition sponsors to purchase Colorado-grown, raised, or processed foods for school meals and support local agriculture.
Key Information: This is a forecasted, non-competitive grant; only sponsors operating Healthy School Meals for All and the National School Lunch Program are eligible.
Description
The Local Food Program (LFP) provides state-funded grants to eligible school nutrition sponsors in Colorado for the procurement of Colorado-grown, raised, or processed products to be used in federal Child Nutrition Programs. The program aims to support small and mid-sized Colorado producers, enhance nutrition education, and improve the quality of school meals. Administered by the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) through the Grants Administration Implementation & Navigation System (GAINS), the LFP also requires sponsors to form advisory committees of parents and students to guide local food purchasing and ensure meals are culturally relevant and appealing. The initiative is designed to foster connections between schools and local producers, ultimately strengthening Colorado’s food system and supporting healthy, nutritious meals for students.
