Wages and Stipends
Forecasted
Wages and Stipends supports school nutrition sponsors in funding wage increases, stipends, or both for frontline food service workers, with the goal of increasing school food service compensation.
Funder: Colorado Department of Education
Due Dates (Anticipated): November 2026 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: More than $8.4 million across 151 school districts for the 2026–27 school year
Summary: Supports school nutrition sponsors in providing wage increases, stipends, or both to frontline food service workers.
Key Information: Funding is specifically for frontline school food service compensation, not research or separate project activities.
Description
The Colorado Department of Education’s School Nutrition Unit offers the Wages and Stipends grant to eligible school nutrition sponsors. The program supports higher compensation for frontline food service workers through wage increases, stipends, or a combination of both. Its focus is the staff who deliver school food service, rather than research or a separate project activity.
The program is listed on CDE’s School Nutrition reimbursement and funding page, which announces more than $8.4 million for 151 school districts for the 2026–27 school year. Sponsors can consult the grant FAQ and their School Nutrition point person for eligibility guidance and application support.
