!["image of [fruits and vegetables"]]](https://www.svvsd.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/fruits-and-vegetables-edited-1.png)
St. Vrain Valley School’s Nutrition Service staff believes that serving nutritious school meals is one of the main ingredients in students’ ability to learn in the classroom. It’s hard for students to focus when they are hungry. Our staff takes pride in providing meals that meet the USDA nutritional requirements and include as many local fresh ingredients as possible.
Meal Prices
The Healthy School Meals for All program allows public School Food Authorities (SFAs) participating in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs to provide free meals to all students beginning School Year 2023-24.
- Student Meal (first): $0.00
- Adult Meal: $3.00
- Seconds or Additional Meals: $3.00
- Student Meal (first): $0.00
- Adult Meal: $5.00
- Seconds or Additional Meals: $5.00
Meals include 1 entrée with associated sides and condiments, 1 milk, and fresh fruits and vegetables. Students who choose a school lunch may have unlimited access to fresh fruits and vegetables during the meal service.
What makes a meal free?
A student must take at least 3 components, 1 being a 1/2c fruit or vegetable. A good rule of thumb:
- 1 Entrée (equals 2 components), and 1/2 cup of fruit or vegetable; or
- 1/2 cup fruit, 1/2 cup vegetable, and a milk; or
- Any 4 or more components! Students are welcome to take 1 serving of each food group (meat/meat alternate, grain, fruit, vegetable, milk).
Ala carte items provide students with the flexibility to choose additional or individual food items that are not part of a complete meal. This option is perfect for those who may want an extra snack, a specific entrée, or a beverage like milk without taking the full meal. It’s important to note that these a la carte selections are not part of the reimbursable meal program. Therefore, if a student chooses only an a la carte item such as just milk or an entrée, these items are not eligible to be provided as a free meal and will incur a charge. This ensures that students can personalize their dining experience while understanding the cost implications of their choices.
Ways to Add Extra Funds to Student Accounts
Does your student like having access to seconds? Although your student’s first breakfast and lunch each day are free, seconds or incomplete meals such as just a milk, are not included in Healthy School Meals for All. You can add funds to your student account by sending cash or check to the school cafeteria, or by using a credit card on RevTrak.
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.