Federal Grant Award Summary

Award Overview

The Board of Education Colorado received a $4,488,334 Project Grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service (Child Nutrition Division) under the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (CFDA 10.582) effective October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026. This federally-assisted nutrition initiative provides cash grants to state agencies to procure and distribute free fresh fruits and vegetables to elementary schools with high percentages of students eligible for free or reduced-price meals through the National School Lunch Program. The program's primary objectives include introducing children to fresh produce varieties, increasing overall consumption of unprocessed fruits and vegetables, and promoting nutrition education in economically disadvantaged school communities.

Program Implementation and Sub-Awards

The Board of Education Colorado distributed the grant funding through sub-awards to 30+ Colorado school districts, charter school entities, and nutrition service organizations, with sub-award agreements effective January 1 and February 1, 2026. Sub-awardees included major districts such as Denver Public Schools, Weld County School District 6, Jefferson County School District R-1, and Pueblo City School, along with rural districts and specialized organizations like Charterchoice Collaborative, a non-profit providing nutrition services to schools and childcare centers. Participating schools operated the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program according to federal requirements, serving fresh produce at no cost to all enrolled children while publicizing availability within school environments. Schools selected for participation demonstrated the highest percentages of children eligible for free and reduced-price meals within their respective districts, ensuring targeted resources reached the most economically disadvantaged student populations across Colorado's K-12 education system.