Colorado Food Program information for afterschool programs

The Colorado Food Program benefits:

• Youth under 18 enrolled in afterschool programs in eligible areas that provide educational or enrichment activities.
• Individuals with disabilities who receive care in an afterschool program where most participants are under age 18.
   

Eligible after school programs:

• Organizations that primarily provide care for children after school, non-school days, or on weekends during the school year.
• Organizations located in the attendance area of a school where at least 50% of students are eligible for free or reduced meals under the National School Lunch Program.
• Eligible organizations include:
  • Tax-exempt nonprofit organizations.
  • For-profit centers that are eligible to participate in the Colorado Food Program through traditional child care centers and
    • serve at least 25% of children who are eligible for free or reduced-priced meals based on their family incomes, or
    • centers currently participating in another Federal program requiring nonprofit status.
       

For afterschool programs, participation in the Colorado Food Program:

• Helps cover the cost of one meal and a snack per child per day.
• Savings can be used for other afterschool program needs.
  • See how much money you might receive:
    • Cost Benefit tool in English. (Google spreadsheet)
    • Cost Benefit tool in Spanish (Español). (Google spreadsheet)
• Offers nutrition education and professional development opportunities for afterschool program staff.
• Supports marketing of the program to families who want their children to receive nutritious meals.
• Can support the cost of staff responsible for carrying out the Colorado Food Program program.

For children, participation in the Colorado Food Program:

• Exposes them to new, healthy foods.
• Provides healthy meals so they can learn, thrive, and be curious about the world around them. 
• Supports their social skills and language development during meal time.

For families, participation in the Colorado Food Program:

• Helps them stretch their food resources at home.
• Supports the healthy development of their children during the critical early years.
• Provides ideas about different meal choices to try at home.