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How to Apply
Application instructions and deadlines for applying to Child Nutrition Programs are below. The Application system is housed in the Colorado Nutrition Portal.
Quick Links
Application for 2020-21 School Year
The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) can be operated when school is in session through as late as June 30, 2021. School Food Authorities (SFAs) and nonprofit organizations now have the option to operate the SFSP while school instruction takes place, whether that’s remote or in-person learning.
The new SFSP program year began Oct. 1. Sponsors must complete a new SFSP application in the Colorado Nutrition Portal for operations starting Oct. 1 through the end of the school year. Use the following resources to assist with the application:
- Application Instructions (PDF)
- Claim Instructions (PDF)
- Application and claim webinar recording
- SFSP application and claim demonstration video
- Length: 1 hour
- Professional Standards
- Key Area: Program Management
- Learning Code: 3200
For questions, please contact summermealprogram@cde.state.co.us.
New Sponsor Resources
- New User/Password Reset - fill out this form to request access or modify users in the Colorado Nutrition Portal.
- Sponsor Checklist (DOC)
- Mapping Tools
- Data Found in these mapping tools can be used to identify eligible sites, locate new sites and enhance outreach efforts.
- Summer Meal Calculator
- This calculator helps sponsors understand the financial feasibility of participating in the SFSP.
- Summer Program Fact Sheet (PDF)
National School Lunch Program (NSLP), School Breakfast Program (SBP), & After School Snack Program (ASP)
School districts interested in operating the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program or After School Snack Program should refer to the application instructions below to participate in the programs.
Application Instructions
Deadlines
- The 2020-21 renewal application is due Wednesday, Sept. 30
- The application approval process can take up to three weeks to complete, especially when participating in multiple child nutrition programs. You will not be able to submit a claim until your renewal application is approved.
Schools interested in applying for SMP must submit their application during the annual renewal of applications online. The district will select SMP for the schools that will participate in the Special Milk Program. Camps and Institutions interested in applying for SMP must complete the Non-Pricing Agreement and Policy Statement and submit both to the CDE School Nutrition Unit.
Application Instructions
- SMP Renewal Application Instructions (PDF)
- These are instructions for sponsors who only operate the special milk program.
Deadlines
- The application approval process can take up to three weeks to complete, especially when participating in multiple child nutrition programs. You will not be able to submit a claim until your renewal application is approved.
Elementary schools are selected for the FFVP annually through the online application process. Priority is given to schools with the highest free and reduced enrollment. Interested schools must submit a completed application by the deadline below. To prepare for the application: market and promote the FFVP to eligible elementary schools, gain support and buy-in from teachers, staff, principals and/or superintendents, and establish an implementation plan that includes service methods and frequency, integration of nutrition education, program marketing and promotion and overall program administration and monitoring.
Application Instructions
Deadlines
- FFVP Application: August 6, 2020
Application Instructions
Deadlines
- There is no deadline for the SSO application because it can be used for Emergency Feeding.
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