Healthy School Meals for All campaign receives funding support
August 24, 2023
The new Colorado voter-approved program, Healthy School Meals for All, kicks off in most public schools this school year! Members of the Blueprint’s Workgroup 5: Maximizing Child Nutrition Programs have come together to ensure a strong launch with a statewide marketing and outreach campaign this fall.
In support of this collaborative effort, the Colorado Access Foundation and The Colorado Health Foundation have committed a combined total of $1.5 million to promote program benefits, encourage student participation and family completion of school benefit forms, and help fill position vacancies in school dining rooms. The financial support of these foundations will help ensure students in participating schools can access no-cost breakfasts and lunches.
“Colorado Access Foundation is proud to invest in the Colorado Blueprint to End Hunger,” says Cassidy Smith, Executive Director at Colorado Access Foundation. “Contributing to this statewide program aligns with our vision for Colorado to be a place where all can achieve their fullest potential for health. This program ensures that every student has access to healthy meals regardless of family income and by providing free, nutritious, and culturally sensitive school meals for all, our state moves closer toward achieving health equity for everyone.”
Besides targeted advertising, the Healthy School Meals for All campaign will devote a substantial portion of its awarded funds towards a mini-grant program for community-based organizations to lead local marketing and outreach efforts.
“If we want to bring health in reach for all, we need to ensure everyone in Colorado has enough affordable, nutritious food,” shared Amy Duggan, a senior program officer for The Colorado Health Foundation. “Supporting this campaign is an investment in our students, schools, and local communities. We’re particularly excited for local community organizations to partner with schools to optimize implementation, ensure comprehensive access, and establish Colorado as a beacon for other states to emulate.”
The Blueprint thanks both foundations for investing in a successful launch of Healthy School Meals for All so the new program can fuel learning and have lasting, positive health impacts!
With a planned launch in October, the campaign’s steering committee has started its work in guiding the direction and outcomes. There’s still time to get involved if you’re interested! Find out more.