School Meal Eligibility

School Meal Eligibility is determined at the district level by households completing a free or reduced-price application; households can also be automatically eligible for free school meals through direct certification. Qualifying students as eligible for free or low-cost school meals helps to increase access to healthy meals, which supports their health and academic performance. Find more specific information regarding school meal eligibility below.

School Meal Eligibility Guidance

Eligibility Manual for School Meals (PDF)

School Meal Eligibility - FAQs (PDF)

School Meal Eligibility Important Dates (DOC)

Release of Eligibility Information Reference for Federal and State Programs (PDF)

October 1 Count Eligibility Data

19-20 Free and Reduced-Price School Meal Program Public Release (PDF)

Direct Certification (DC)

Direct Certification uses approved assistance program data to automatically approve eligible students for free school meals. Colorado uses an automated online system to directly certify households that participate in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and the Migrant Education Program.

Resources

Templates

Training

Direct Certification In-Person Training - closed
Direct Certification Online Training

District Liaisons For:

Foster Care Education - Child Welfare Liaison (CWEL)
McKinney-Vento Homeless Education - Homeless Liaison
Migrant Education Program (MEP) - Regional Migrant Liaison

Legislation requires each district to have a child welfare liaison (CWEL), a McKinney Vento/Homeless liaison and a regional Migrant liaison. Liaisons are responsible for identifying and documenting children who qualify for the listed assistance programs. Children identified in these programs are automatically eligible for free school meals.

Free and Reduced-Price (F&R) Application Guidance

The free and reduced-price application determines school meal eligibility based on reported information including household size and income or participation in approved assistance programs.

Resources

Templates

Training

Free and Reduced Price In-Person Training - closed
School Meal Eligibility Online Trainings
October 1 Count/Free Lunch Webinar Recording

Income Verification Guidance

Verification is the process of confirming free or reduced-price meal eligibility based on income and/or assistance program information provided on applications.

Resources

Templates

Training

For more information or if an alternative version of a document is needed, please contact free&reducedpriceschoolmeals@cde.state.co.us or call 303-866-6661.