Local Food Program
The Local Food Program from the Colorado Department of Education funds efforts to bring Colorado-grown and processed foods into K-12 school meals, supporting local agriculture and healthier school nutrition.
Funder: Colorado Department of Education
Due Dates (Anticipated): 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) | August 2027 (June claim)
Funding Amounts: Over $15.4 million awarded in 2026–27; reimbursement rates vary by meal type and eligibility; funding is annual and claim-based.
Summary: Supports Colorado K-12 sponsors in purchasing and integrating Colorado-grown, raised, or processed foods into school meal programs.
Key Information: This is a forecasted opportunity; all dates are projected and subject to annual cycle updates.
Description
The Local Food Program, administered by the Colorado Department of Education, provides funding to eligible K-12 school sponsors—including school districts, charter schools, residential childcare institutions, and facility schools—to purchase Colorado-grown, raised, or processed food products for school meal programs. The initiative enhances the integration of local foods into school nutrition, encourages scratch cooking, and strengthens connections between schools and Colorado producers. The program supports innovation in school nutrition and the development of sustainable local food systems, with technical assistance and training available to help schools transition to local food procurement and preparation.
