Food & Nutrition Services
Food & Nutrition Services (FNS) provides more than six million meals each year made by over 450 full- and part-time employees. FNS is self-supporting, meaning no General Fund monies are used to support its operations. Jeffco builds healthy futures for students by offering balanced meals and snacks every day.
News & Updates
Last week, our schools transformed their breakfast programs into detective-themed dining adventures, creating an atmosphere of mystery and excitement that drew record numbers of students to start their day with a nutritious meal.
National School Breakfast Week is March 3-7. We're spotlighting one of the most powerful tools for academic success that often goes overlooked: breakfast. Every student deserves to start their day ready to learn, focus and achieve when the morning bell rings.
Jeffco Food and Nutrition Services ensures top-quality service through year-round training in food safety, financial accuracy, and professional development. Staff participate in learning programs, reinforcing excellence in food handling, service and district policies to serve students safely.
Every day, Jeffco Food and Nutrition Services prepares thousands of meals for students across our district. Behind the scenes, we use cutting-edge digital technology to ensure every meal is not just delicious, but safe to eat.
Every school day, students across Jeffco Public Schools rely on nutritious meals to fuel their learning and growth. Many may not realize the incredible logistics operation behind those meals—an effort powered by a fleet of seven box trucks and a team of dedicated drivers.
The Jefferson Area School Food Pilot Program has brought a new level of dedication, care and creativity to Jeffco’s school meals. Thank you to the staff, families and community partners who have worked together on this journey.
For the first time in 30 years, every Jeffco school is serving breakfast!
Behind every school meal are 500+ dedicated professionals working to provide nutritious, delicious food that fuels student success. Everyone from managers to hourly workers plays a vital role in making every meal a positive experience.
The Dunstan Middle School kitchen team welcomed district leaders to assist in preparing Thanksgiving meals. Their dedication and teamwork were inspiring, showcasing their passion for serving students.
At Jeffco Public Schools, school meals should be nutritious, fun and exciting for students! That’s why our Food & Nutrition Services team runs special promotions.
At Ken Caryl Middle School, something exciting is sprouting—literally! Through a unique farm-to-school initiative, students grow fresh lettuce in a hands-on project that combines science, sustainability and community engagement.
To reduce food waste, Jeffco Public Schools' Food and Nutrition Services uses "share tables" as an innovative strategy to encourage the consumption of nutritious foods while minimizing unnecessary waste.
Jeffco Public Schools' lunches, part of the National School Lunch Program, meet strict USDA nutrition standards. These meals support students' healthy growth and lifelong eating habits.
Jeffco Public Schools is dedicated to providing nutritious meals and minimizing food waste to ensure we’re maximizing our resources and protecting the environment.
Despite free meals, families should still complete a Student Benefit Application (SBA). Learn more about how SBAs can help your family and your school.
Healthy School Meals and Student Benefits
With the passage of Healthy School Meals for All, many families will be sending their students to eat breakfast and lunch at no cost. Beginning with school year 2024-25, all schools served by Jeffco Food and Nutrition Service will provide both breakfast and lunch. Jeffco Food Service is committed to providing these meals in accordance with USDA guidelines, so you can be assured that school food will always be a healthy choice!
Complete the Student Benefit Application
Despite free meals, families should still complete a Student Benefit Application (SBA). Completing the form could help schools receive extra funding to support programs like literacy and math resources for students and professional development for staff!
USDA Nutrition Guidelines
In 2024, the USDA released updated nutrition standards for child nutrition programs. See key updates:
Monthly Healthy School Meals
Programs and Services
Mission, Vision and Core Values
Community Resources
- United Way 2-1-1
- Jeffco Action Center
- Colorado Department of Education: Office of School Nutrition
- United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
- USDA Food & Nutrition Services
- Institute of Child Nutrition
- Colorado School Nutrition Association (CSNA)
- School Nutrition Association (SNA)
- Western Dairy Association
- American Heart Association
- National Academy of Medicine
- American Cancer Society
- Colorado Peak
- Food Bank of the Rockies
United Way 2-1-1
Jeffco Action Center
Colorado Department of Education: Office of School Nutrition
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
USDA Food & Nutrition Services
Institute of Child Nutrition
Colorado School Nutrition Association (CSNA)
School Nutrition Association (SNA)
Western Dairy Association
American Heart Association
National Academy of Medicine
American Cancer Society
Colorado Peak
Food Bank of the Rockies
Contact Us
Food & Nutrition Services
Phone: 303-982-6748
SchoolCafé Help: 1-855-729-2328
Email: jeffcoschoolfood@jeffco.k12.co.us