Local Food Program – Technical Assistance Education Grant
Forecasted
The Local Food Program funds schools to purchase Colorado-grown or processed foods for student meals, promoting healthy eating and supporting local agriculture.
Funder: Colorado Department of Education
Due Dates (Anticipated): August 2026 (June claim) | September 2026 (July claim) | October 2026 (August claim) | November 2026 (September & combined Aug/Sept claim) | December 2026 (October claim) | January 2027 (November claim) | February 2027 (December claim) | April 2027 (January & February claims) | May 2027 (March claim) | June 2027 (April claim) | July 2027 (May claim)
Funding Amounts: Over $15.4 million total for 2026–27; reimbursement rates vary by meal type and eligibility category.
Summary: Funds eligible sponsors to purchase Colorado-grown or processed foods for school meals, promoting healthy eating and local agriculture.
Key Information: Claims must be submitted monthly via the Colorado Nutrition Portal; only sponsors in Healthy School Meals for All are eligible.
Description
The Local Food Program, administered by the Colorado Department of Education, provides funding to eligible sponsors—including school districts, charter schools, residential childcare institutes, and facility schools operating Healthy School Meals for All—to purchase Colorado-grown, raised, or processed food products for school meal programs. The initiative aims to integrate local foods into school meals, fostering healthy eating habits among students and supporting Colorado’s agricultural economy.
