Wages and Stipends Grant
The Wages and Stipends Grant funds increased pay and stipends for Colorado school food service workers to support recruitment, retention, and recognition in school nutrition programs.
Funder: Colorado Department of Education
Due Dates (Anticipated): June 2027 (application submission deadline in GAINS for the Wages and Stipends Grant)
Funding Amounts: Up to $0.12 per lunch served in SY 2024-25 for SY 2026-27; one-year term; total award based on prior lunch counts.
Summary: Supports increases in wages and stipends for frontline school food service workers to improve recruitment, retention, and recognition in Colorado schools.
Key Information: This is a forecasted opportunity; all dates are projected and subject to change.
Description
The Wages and Stipends Grant, administered by the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) School Nutrition Unit, provides funds to eligible school nutrition sponsors to increase wages and offer stipends to frontline food service workers. The grant is designed to support and recognize the essential contributions of school nutrition staff, enhance recruitment and retention, and improve compensation for school food service workers across Colorado. Funding is distributed based on the number of lunches served during the 2024-25 school year, with the awarded funds to be used during the 2026-27 school year. This initiative is part of CDE’s broader effort to ensure healthy, nutritious meals for students and to foster innovative programs in school nutrition.
