State grant is helping Colorado schools put fresh produce on the lunchroom menu

The Healthy School Meals for All program helped Colorado school districts, including St. Vrain Valley and Cherry Creek, serve a significant increase in free meals. To mitigate rising food costs predicted by the USDA, both districts utilized the Local Food Program grant to purchase locally grown produce and bakery items. This funding helps offset budget shortfalls as reimbursement rates do not cover all operational expenses.