Local Food Program
The Local Food Program from the Colorado Department of Education funds schools to purchase Colorado-grown foods, boosting student nutrition and supporting local agriculture.
Funder: Colorado Department of Education
Due Dates: September 29, 2026 | October 30, 2026 | November 27, 2026 | December 30, 2026 | January 29, 2027 | March 1, 2027 | April 1, 2027 | April 29, 2027 | May 28, 2027 | June 29, 2027 | July 30, 2027 | August 27, 2027
Funding Amounts: Over $15.4 million available for 2026–27; awards vary by sponsor size and meal counts; funding supplements federal/state reimbursements.
Summary: Supports Colorado schools in purchasing Colorado-grown, raised, or processed foods for school meals, strengthening student nutrition and local agriculture.
Key Information: Monthly claims must be submitted within 60 days after each month to receive reimbursement.
Description
The Local Food Program, administered by the Colorado Department of Education’s School Nutrition Unit, provides supplemental funding to school meal sponsors for purchasing Colorado-grown, raised, or processed foods. The program aims to increase the presence of fresh, minimally processed, and locally sourced options in school cafeterias, supporting both student health and Colorado’s agricultural economy. All sponsors participating in Healthy School Meals for All (HSMA) are eligible, expanding the impact to more educational institutions statewide.
