Wages and Stipends Grant
Forecasted
The Wages and Stipends Grant from the Colorado Department of Education funds wage increases and stipends for frontline school nutrition staff to support healthy meal delivery in Colorado schools.
Funder: Colorado Department of Education
Due Dates (Anticipated): May 2027 (application deadline, projected)
Funding Amounts: Over $8.4 million awarded to 151 school districts in the most recent cycle; award size varies by sponsor and is based on eligible wage/stipend costs.
Summary: Provides state funding to increase wages and/or stipends for frontline food service workers in Colorado school nutrition programs.
Description
The Wages and Stipends Grant, administered by the Colorado Department of Education’s School Nutrition Unit, is a targeted state funding initiative supporting wage increases and stipends for frontline food service workers employed by school nutrition programs. The program is designed to recognize the essential contributions of school nutrition staff in delivering healthy meals to Colorado students, and to help school districts and sponsors address workforce recruitment and retention challenges. The grant supplements regular federal and state meal reimbursements, strengthening the operational stability of school nutrition programs by ensuring food service workers receive adequate compensation.
