Good food to nourish bright futures: The impact of free meals in BVSD

By voting to pass Propositions LL and MM, in November, Colorado voters secured important support for our state’s universal school-meals program and reinforced our commitment to ensuring every student is nourished and ready to learn.

With the additional revenue to sustain and strengthen that program — our district and students will benefit in several meaningful ways:

• All K-12 students in BVSD will continue to receive free breakfast and lunch, regardless of family income.
• Our school food program has increased stability, enabling our chefs to plan with confidence, reduce financial uncertainty, and focus on what matters most: student learning, wellness and growth.
• Additional funding is provided to purchase local food, allowing our program to continue to expand its practice of sourcing 40% more of our food locally whenever possible.
• We continue to remove barriers and stigmas and bolster equity: every student can begin the day nourished, regardless of income.
• Supporting better learning; this investment ultimately supports greater engagement and stronger academic outcomes.

Your support fuels our food program, benefiting every student

Birch Elementary Principal Tanya Santee has seen the impact free meals have on her students at school first-hand, “Close to 80% of our students enjoy free breakfast and lunch each day, and for many of our students, they are learning to eat and enjoy local and fresh foods in ways they may not otherwise have access to.”

One of the most significant impacts of free meals for all is the removal of stigmas and barriers that often show up for students who are eligible to receive free and reduced lunch. 

“When lunch is free for everyone, everyone eats," says Santee. "Completely taking away that differentiating factor of who is free lunch eligible makes students one in the same as their peers, and that's a critical piece for belonging and inclusion that will positively affect their development and school experience.”

“This is such a welcome lifeline for our community. We are so grateful to our voters for securing free meals for all students.”

Food insecurity affects more students in our district than you may think

Did you know that roughly 25% of kids in BVSD are eligible for free or reduced price meals?

“It can be easy to assume food insecurity doesn’t exist here in Boulder County,” says BVSD Food Services Director Carolyn Villa, “but it’s often hidden. The fact is that many of our neighbors are making tough choices between groceries, housing, and healthcare every single day.”

Eligibility is determined by household income, which in BVSD is $59,478 for a family of four. With families’ consent, meal benefit eligibility can also establish eligibility for waiver of school district fees, discounted childcare and other resources for families. Regardless of if meals are free thanks to state funding, families who are eligible should complete the application to ensure those other cost savings are provided.

“Food insecurity can be a spectrum. For some students their meals at school (breakfast and lunch) make up the majority of meals they receive in a week,” explained Villa. “When meals are free for all students, we ensure that no student is missed in identifying food insecurity in our community.”

Families can reliably send students to school assured they will receive two free meals every school day. Other area food resources in BVSD include Community Food Share in Boulder, Emergency Family Assistance Association (EFAA), and Broomfield FISH. The Boulder County website has an online resource for finding food assistance and Hunger Free Colorado offers a statewide Food Resource Hotline at 855-855-4626.

Large cost savings for families with students who eat school meals

Free meals don’t just help families who qualify for free and reduced lunch, the average parent of two school age children can save $2,200 a year to cover the cost of school and breakfast lunch ($1100 per year, per student).

Plus, BVSD prides itself on serving nutritious and delicious meals.  BVSD has been recognized nationally with certifications and awards as leaders in the school food revolution.  BVSD’s School Food Project has set the standard nation-wide with a commitment to to scratch-made meals, made with local food, from nearby farms, school gardens and even a BVSD greenhouse 

“Our food services department sources 40% of our food locally whenever possible and offers daily gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegetarian options, and features a wide range of cuisines,” Villa explained. “Alongside full salad bars at every school, our school meals are whole and nutritious, and made to fuel and support students’ learning and health.”

Plus, the program aims to inspire the next generation of school food warriors, through the BVSD Iron Chef competition.

The BVSD School Food Project thanks  the voters, community partners, school nutrition staff and everyone who advocated for these measures. The support reflects a shared commitment to the wellbeing and success of our children.

“Thanks to Propositions LL and MM, BVSD students won’t just be fed — they’ll be empowered. And our entire community is stronger because of it” Villa said.

Learn more about BVSD’s Food Service Department and the School Food Project on their website including the full school year’s menu.