“I have the audacity to believe that people everywhere can have three meals a day for their bodies, education and culture for the minds and dignity, equality and freedom for their spirits.”

Martin Luther King, Jr.

One in six children in Colorado don’t have access to foods needed to thrive. Kids that miss out on proper nutrition during the summer are more likely to experience learning loss and develop long-term health consequences. The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) is about serving kids across the community free breakfast, lunch, snack, and supper all summer long when they do not have access to school lunch or breakfast. The SFSP provides free, nutritious meals to children 18 years of age and under at approved sites in areas with high concentrations of low-income children.

To find summer meal sites, visit kidsfoodfinder.org or text ‘Food’ or ‘Comida’ to 304-304.

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SVVSD Summer Programs

St. Vrain Valley Schools offers robust summer programming options to keep students engaged in their academic learning. Major summer programs are listed here. Many schools across the district offer various athletics, fine arts, and activities for students over the summer. Visit your school’s webpage or contact the main office for additional information.

Open all Summer Long…..

These sites will be open June 3rd- August 2nd*, Monday through Thursday. Outdoor dining is available.

*We are closed on Fridays, July 4th, and July 15th-18th.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are summer meals programs? Summer meals programs are funded by the USDA and designed to provide children and teens ages 18 and under with nutritious meals during the summer months when school is out of session.

What are the requirements for my child or teen to receive a meal? Do I have to fill out an application form? There is no application or registration required to receive a meal. You do not have to provide proof of income, residency, or citizenship. Just show up!

Do meals have to be eaten on-site?  Yes. Due to federal regulations, all meals must be consumed on-site. Children can take one fruit, vegetable, or grain item from their meal off-site to eat later.

Is there a cost? No. All summer meals offered through the USDA’s programs are free to all kids and teens ages 18 and under.

Can parents or guardians pick up meals on behalf of their kids?  No. Due to changes at the federal level, parents and caregivers can no longer pick up meals on behalf of their kids, and meals must be consumed on-site.

How do I find a summer meals site in my community? Text FOOD or COMIDA to 304-304 to find free meals near you, anywhere in the United Sates.

What kind of food is served at these sites? The meals served are nutritious and meet USDA guidelines. A typical lunch, for example, could include a turkey sandwich on wheat bread, milk, an apple, and a salad. Check our menus at participating sites.

Who funds free summer meals? Summer meals programs are federally funded by the USDA through the Summer Food Service Program and the National School Lunch Program Seamless Summer Option.

There is no site in my area. How can summer meals be offered in my community next summer? If there are no summer meals sites in your community, we can help. Email No Kid Hungry at [email protected].

What else can I do to help? You can share information about free summer meals on social media; with friends; family members and neighbors; and with any community groups or faith-based congregations that you belong to. Share the texting hotline (“Text FOOD or COMIDA to 304-304 to find free summer meals in our community”)

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Summer EBT

Staring Summer 2024, Summer EBT (S-EBT) is available for eligible Colorado residents. Summer EBT helps families buy food during the summer months. If you qualify, you will get $40 per child for each month when school is not in session. This amounts to up to $120 per child. You’ll receive a card pre-loaded with money in the mail.

You Are Eligible If…

• You already participate in SNAP, TANF or Medicaid
• Your child attends a school that offers the National School Lunch or School Breakfast program and you qualify based on income

How Can You Receive Benefits?

• Make sure your school has a benefits form or household income application on file
• Make sure your school has your current address and parent/guardian information
• Your family will automatically qualify if you participate in SNAP, TANF or Medicaid EBT cards will be mailed by the Colorado Department of Human Services.

For more information: Colorado Department of Human Resources

Questions regarding eligibility should be referred to the CDHS webpage or call center by calling 800-536-5298, texting 720-741-0550 or emailing [email protected]. 

FAQ

Do preschool students qualify for S-EBT?

Yes, if preschoolers attend a school participating in the National School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program and qualify based on free or reduced-price eligibility status or direct certification then they are able receive benefits. 

Will students who are not directly certified and attend a non-NSLP school receive S-EBT funds?

No, students who are not directly certified and attend a site that does not participate in the National School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program will not qualify for S-EBT benefits.

Can a student who is not currently attending a NSLP school but was enrolled at some point during the current school year qualify for S-EBT benefits? 

Students that have been enrolled in a school participating in the National School Lunch Program at any point during the current school year qualify for S-EBT benefits.

What is the opt-out procedure for families?

Families will receive a notice letter included with their card or mailed to them as part of auto-issuance which will include instructions for destroying the card and opting out of the benefits should they wish to decline. Families have a timeframe to expend the funds they receive. If the money is not spent by that expiration date, the money is returned to the USDA.