How to Apply

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Application instructions and deadlines for applying to Child Nutrition Programs are below. The Application system is housed in the Colorado Nutrition Portal.

Quick Links

Summer Food Service Program
National School Lunch Program
School Breakfast Program

After School Snak Program
Special Milk Program

Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program
Seamless Summer Option

Summer Food Service Program

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

Application Instructions (PDF)

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.

Special Milk Program (SMP)

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.

Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP)

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.