Free School Lunch in Colorado: Universal Meals for All Students
2025–26 NSLP eligibility guidelines and how to apply
Colorado provides free breakfast and lunch to every student through a universal free meal program. No income check. No application. Every child who walks into school eats free.
How Colorado's Universal Free Meal Program Works
Who gets free meals: Every student enrolled in a participating public school — no income verification, no paperwork.
What's covered: Free breakfast and lunch on every school day. Both meals are provided under the federal NSLP and School Breakfast Program (SBP).
How it's funded: Colorado uses a combination of federal NSLP/SBP reimbursements and state appropriations to cover the full cost for all students, including those who wouldn't qualify under the standard income rules.
Colorado provides free breakfast and lunch to ALL students through the Universal Free Meals program (SB 23-140, effective SY 2023-24). No application required.
Federal NSLP Income Limits (for reference)
In Colorado, these don't apply — all students eat free. But if you move to another state, these are the nationwide thresholds.
| Household size | Free meals (130% FPL) | Reduced-price (185% FPL) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $1,632/mo ($19,578/yr) | $2,322/mo ($27,861/yr) |
| 2 people | $2,215/mo ($26,572/yr) | $3,152/mo ($37,814/yr) |
| 3 people | $2,798/mo ($33,566/yr) | $3,981/mo ($47,767/yr) |
| 4 people | $3,380/mo ($40,560/yr) | $4,810/mo ($57,720/yr) |
| 5 people | $3,963/mo ($47,554/yr) | $5,640/mo ($67,673/yr) |
| 6 people | $4,546/mo ($54,548/yr) | $6,469/mo ($77,626/yr) |
| 7 people | $5,129/mo ($61,542/yr) | $7,299/mo ($87,579/yr) |
| 8 people | $5,712/mo ($68,536/yr) | $8,128/mo ($97,532/yr) |
How to Apply for Free School Meals in Colorado
State agency
Colorado Department of Education — Office of School Nutrition
Phone: 1-303-866-6913
Apply online →What you need to apply
- ✓ No application required in Colorado
- ✓ All students automatically receive free meals
- ✓ Just enroll your child in school
Other Programs for Colorado Families
School Meal Eligibility in Other States
Colorado Family Assistance Programs
Families who qualify for one program often qualify for others. Check each one.
Childcare Subsidy (CCDF)
Income limits and how to apply in Colorado
Head Start Eligibility
Free early education for low-income families
WIC Benefits
Food assistance for children under 5
Free Pre-K Programs
State-funded preschool eligibility
Childcare Tax Credits
Federal + Colorado state credits
SNAP (Food Stamps)
Grocery benefits — income limits in Colorado
TANF Cash Assistance
Monthly cash benefits for families with children
Energy Assistance (LIHEAP)
Help paying heating and cooling bills
Section 8 Housing
Housing vouchers — income limits and waitlists