Mapleton Public Schools is excited to offer free lunches to all its students starting this new school year through the Healthy School Meals for All program.

The program was passed as a ballot initiative by Colorado voters last November and ensures access to free, nutritious meals made with quality ingredients for all students in participating public schools. Mapleton students already receive free breakfast at all schools. 

No child should go hungry because they can’t afford a nutritious meal. Providing students with healthy lunches enhances their focus and participation in the classroom, resulting in improved grades, increased attendance rates, and higher graduation rates. 

For this program, Mapleton is asking families to continue to submit meal benefits applications. While meals will be provided at no cost for all students, it's important for districts like Mapleton to continue gathering this information to receive full access to federal funding. Funds will go directly to schools to help cover the cost of meals and support after-school programs and other nutritional programs for students. And families that qualify may receive discounted school fees, class materials, bus passes, utilities support, and more. 

All household income information families provide is strictly confidential and protected. Only one form is required for all children in the household. Immigration, migrant, citizenship or refugee status is not required when completing the form. 

Families can learn more about Mapleton’s Nutrition Services Department here, and more about the Healthy School Meals for All here.