Pueblo Schools Combat Summer Hunger: Free Meals Help Colorado Families Face Rising Costs

Colorado families struggling with inflation and rising food costs are finding relief through a vital summer meal program in Pueblo. Pueblo School District 60 (D60) is now offering free lunches to all children under 18, helping ensure no young Coloradan goes hungry while school is out.

The initiative, operating through the USDA-funded Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), comes at a critical time for Southern Colorado families. According to district officials, over 80% of D60 families qualify for free and reduced lunch, with 60% receiving SNAP benefits - highlighting the profound need in our Colorado communities.

Meeting Colorado Families Where They Are

The program brings meals directly to where Pueblo families gather, utilizing a mobile foodworks van to serve communities across the city. Locations include:

• Multiple D60 school sites
• El Pueblo Museum
• Lamb Branch Library
• Rawlings Library - currently serving 30 meals daily

"Just because you go on summer break doesn't mean you don't still need to eat, so it's just an important bridge in the community," explains Dana Elkins-Greene, Director of Nutrition for D60.

Relief for Colorado Families Facing Rising Costs

For Colorado parents like Mitchell Montano, a father of four, the program provides essential support during challenging economic times.

"With the prices coming up, inflation and such, yes, it's a nice little break to get lunch," Montano shared. "It helps us get out of the house... get some food and feed the kiddos."

"With the prices coming up, inflation and such, yes, it's a nice little break to get lunch," Montano shared. "It helps us get out of the house... get some food and feed the kiddos."

Program Details for Colorado Residents

Key information for Colorado families:

• Available Monday through Friday
• Open to all children under 18 - not just D60 students
• Funded by USDA - no cost to local education budgets
• Nutritious meals including proteins, fruits, and vegetables

Families can learn more about the Summer Food Service Program through Pueblo School District 60's website. The program exemplifies how Colorado communities come together to support families and ensure our youngest residents have access to healthy meals year-round.

This article contains AI-generated content and reflects opinion only. Readers are encouraged to verify all information independently before drawing conclusions or making decisions.