What is Healthy School Meals for All?
In 2022, Hunger Free Colorado led a coalition of more than 100 organizations and individuals across Colorado to pass Healthy School Meals for All (HSMA) through a statewide ballot initiative. In the 2022 November election, Colorado voters said YES to Proposition FF: Healthy School Meals for All. The measure aims to ensure that all Colorado students in public schools have access to nutritious meals during the school day, regardless of their family’s income. Colorado schools participating in this program will receive grants to purchase Colorado grown, raised, or processed products and to increase wages or provide stipends for employees who prepare and serve school meals. The program is funded by limiting state income tax deductions for only the top 5% of Colorado income earners i.e. Coloradans who make $300,000 per year or more.
The passage of HSMA was a grassroots, community-centered effort that demonstrated the power of community organizing for change and sparked momentum across the country for universal meal programs in other states.
Why is Healthy School Meals for All important?
Hunger Free Colorado believes that Healthy School Meals for All is an investment in the public education of children. Students experiencing hunger tend to struggle academically and are more prone to behavioral problems and emotional, mental, and physical health issues. HSMA ensures that students do not go hungry during school hours by providing them with healthy, nutritious foods they need to thrive. The program also promotes inclusivity and dignity by eliminating the stigma and shame associated with receiving free school meals or having meal debt.
Additionally, the program helps families struggling with the rising cost of living by eliminating the need for them to choose between buying school meals and covering other essential household expenses. Because of HSMA, many Colorado families will save more than $1,250 per child each year.
HSMA also supports Colorado farmers and ranchers by reimbursing school districts for purchasing high-quality, locally sourced food, ultimately strengthening food systems and Colorado’s agricultural economy.
When and how is Healthy School Meals for All being implemented?
Healthy School Meals for All began operating at the beginning of the 2023-2024 school year and will be implemented over the next two years. Excitingly, every eligible school district in Colorado has opted in to the program!
Currently, Hunger Free Colorado and various other partners across the state are closely collaborating with schools during the first year rollout phase. The process includes rulemaking and identifying school food authorities that will participate in and contribute to the program. Parent and student advisory committees are being established in these districts to provide advice from community voices to ensure school meals are healthy, culturally relevant and appealing to all students.
During the following 2024-2025 school year, the second phase of implementation will begin, involving:
Local Purchasing Grants
School districts will be eligible to receive grants to purchase food from Colorado farmers and ranchers, creating a new pipeline from local food to institutions that centers community needs. When HSMA is fully implemented, it will have the 2nd most robust farm-to-school program in the nation – second only to California.
Parent and Student Advisory Committees
These committees give decision-making power to students and parents to advise their district on food selection to ensure meals are culturally relevant, healthy and appealing. Colorado is the first state in the nation to establish these committees, providing a unique opportunity to set a new transformational standard for the country.
Wage Boost Grants
School districts will be eligible to receive grants to boost wages and benefits for front-line cafeteria workers, improving the work environment for these critical nutrition staff.
Technical Assistance Grants
School districts and food system organizations will be able to apply for grants to support equipment needs, from-scratch cooking and the development of local food systems.
These four pillars are why Colorado’s universal school meal policy is the most comprehensive in the nation.
Overall, Hunger Free Colorado is continuing to work with all relevant stakeholders to ensure that the implementation of this program aligns with community goals and perspectives.
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National impact of Healthy School Meals for All
The passage of Prop FF last November made Colorado the third state in the country to guarantee healthy school meals for all public school children. Since then, momentum around universal school meals has continued to build across the nation with 5 other states passing similar programs in 2023. Right now, dozens of other states are also discussing or pursuing legislation around free school meals. Hunger Free Colorado is proud to be part of a program that is setting national precedent.