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National School Lunch Program (NSLP)

young child eating lunch with friends

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) is a federally assisted meal program that provides nutritious, low-cost or free lunches to students each day. Specific meal patterns and nutrition standards are required in the NSLP.

Pencil icon Reviews

Computer icon Colorado Nutrition Portal

Form icon Training

How to Apply

Learn more about how to apply, including:

  • Instructions

  • Deadlines

How to Claim

Learn more about how to submit a reimbursement claim, including:

  • Instructions
  • Upload Instructions

  • Reimbursement Rates
  • Deadlines

Program Requirements

Learn more about program requirements, including:

  • School Meal Eligibility
  • Menu Planning & Meal Patterns
  • Procurement
  • Civil Rights

  • Financial Management
  • Professional Standards
  • School Wellness Policy
  • Food Safety

Outreach Toolkit

Learn more about the outreach toolkit, including: 

  • How to promote and market school lunches and the free and reduced-price applications at your sites.  

Frequently Requested:

USDA Resources

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Financial information on schools and districts throughout Colorado. Learn more about financial transparency.

Contact Us

Colorado Dept. of Education
201 East Colfax Ave.
Denver, CO 80203
Phone: 303-866-6600
Fax: 303-830-0793
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Mon - Fri 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
See also Licensing Hours