Dear Salida School District Families,
Great news, beginning this year all students in the Salida School District will have access to free healthy, nutritious school meals thanks to the Healthy School Meals for All program approved by Colorado voters last year.
Our District is very excited to participate in the program. Here is some additional information and a few important reminders about what this means for our schools, students, and families.
Please continue to fill out the required Free and Reduced lunch form also called the Application for Free and Reduced-price School Meals. This is the form found in Infinite Campus and is completed online. Completion of this form is important so that we can continue to receive full access to available federal funds and grants. (Please click this link if you need help getting into IC).
o All household income information provided through this form is strictly confidential and protected by law. Only one form is required for all children in the household.
o Immigration, migrant, citizenship or refugee status is not required when completing the form.
Please note, if your child had a negative balance on their lunch account from the 2022-23 school year, that balance will need to be paid as soon as possible.
Additionally, some students may have a positive balance on their accounts. We suggest keeping some money in these accounts so that students can purchase extra food (“seconds”), and/or items not covered by the Healthy School Meals program. However, refunds are also available. Please be aware that High School students have daily a la carte food options and will most likely need some money in their account. Elementary and Middle School students do not have a la carte options.
If you have questions about completing Free and Reduced lunch form or your students balance, please contact your school's nutrition department. Learn more about the Healthy School Meals for All program in this short video.
Here are a few key points from the video:
- The new Healthy School Meals for All Program is helping make sure Colorado children and teens have access to nutritious food by providing the opportunity for districts to offer free breakfast and lunch to all students at participating schools.
- Starting in the 2023-24 school year, the program – which is made possible thanks to the support of Colorado voters — is available to all school districts that choose to participate.
- Just like in previous years, it's important for families to still provide their household income information when requested by their district. While meals will be provided for free to all students in participating schools, it's important for districts to continue gathering this information in order to receive full access to federal funding.
- Additional funds will go directly to schools to help cover the cost of meals, and will also support afterschool activities and other nutritional programs for students.
- Plus, families who qualify may receive discounted school fees, class materials, bus passes, utilities support and more.
- All household income information provided to your school district is strictly confidential and protected. Only one form is required for all children in the household. Immigration, migrant, citizenship or refugee status is not required when completing the form.
- Contact your school's nutrition department for details about which form to complete and for more information. Learn more about Healthy School Meals for All at www.cde.state.co.us/nutrition/healthy-school-meals-for-all-program.