Skip To Main Content

Icon Navigation

Main Navigation Mobile

Header Links Mobile

Schools Trigger

Desktop Schools Menu

Quicklinks

Header Links

Mobile Menu Button

Breadcrumb

Free & Reduced Benefits

Phone: 720-972-4123 - Contact Nutrition Services

Applications are open:

Apply now through Schoolcafe family hub

Create an account  |  Enroll your children  |  Apply for benefits

Families may be eligible for Summer Electronic Benefits 

This summer, per USDA approval, Colorado will launch the Summer Electronic Benefit program. This program, along with the Summer Food Service Program, helps ensure children and families have access to nutritious meals during summer break. Families with school aged children eligible for free or reduced-price school meals could receive $40 per month per child during the summer months to purchase groceries.

Free and Reduced Benefits help families and their schools.

Here's How:

  • Families can receive 50% off select fees or not have to pay them at all. These include athletic fees, course fees, and activity and field trip fees tied to the curriculum. See the Fees Schedule
     
  • High school students can receive discounts and/or tuition-relief when preparing for their future; which may include course fees, post-graduation planning, scholarships, state and national testing (including SAT, ACT, AP and IB), and post-secondary enrollment.
     
  • Schools receive additional funding from the state to enhance the educational experience for all students.
     
  • Families can qualify for additional resources, such as medical, food and cash assistance, and discounted services like internet.

Eligible Income Chart

Shows income for families eligible to receive free or reduced benefits

The chart above shows the eligible income for families, based on size, who would qualify to receive free or reduced benefits. 

Additional Eligibility  Information:

  • Information on who is eligible to receive free and reduced benefits. (English - Spanish)
  • United States citizenship or immigration status is not a condition of eligibility for free and reduced benefits. See FAQs: English - Spanish

Application Process

Families are encouraged to complete the application online because it provides:

  • Quicker approval process for eligibility
  • Accuracy of submitted application
  • Assisting your child's school in receiving additional funds

If you don't have access to the online system, for a paper application, contact nutritionmealbenefit@adams12.org or (720) 972-4195.

Families must reapply for free and reduced benefits each new school year. 

All students who were approved for free and reduced benefits for the previous year will receive the same free and reduced benefits for the first 30 meal serve days of the new school year or until a new eligibility determination is made.

When will you know if you qualify?

Applications will be processed as quickly as possible. Keep in mind, online applications process faster. Due to the high volume of applications, please allow up to 10 operating days for a response. You will receive your eligibility letter in the mail or by email. 

*Adams 12 Five Star Schools does not manage the meal program at our district charter schools - including, Prospect Ridge Academy, Stargate School, The New America School or Westgate Community School. Please contact the school directly with any questions.

How to receive additional benefits once you qualify

Discounted Student Fees 

After qualifying, in order to have student fees discounted, parents must have completed the Information Release Form as part of the district's annual online check-in process. If you didn't fill out the form, you can print a paper copy and submit it to your school directly. Paper forms: EnglishSpanish

Discounted Community Resources & Services 

To find out how to apply for other assistance benefits, contact your local assistance office. Colorado PEAK is an online service to screen and apply for medical, food, and cash assistance programs. For other district resources, please visit Student and Family Outreach.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.