LiveWell Chaffee County is asking parents to submit free and reduced lunch forms if they qualify, even if they choose not to participate in the program.
“In an effort to increase fruit and vegetable consumption, LiveWell Chaffee County hopes to apply for grants that would provide additional fruits and vegetables to the school districts,” said Lisa Malde, Director of LiveWell Chaffee County.
Grant funds are often designated for areas that show need, and free and reduced lunch numbers are how they determine that. “Chaffee County’s eligibility for free and reduced lunch affects a number of grant-funded programs including ours,” Malde added. “We would like to bring as much grant funding into our community as possible and this is one way families can help us.”
Schools also receive state and federal reimbursement based on the percentage of students eligible for free and reduced lunches rather than the number that actually participate. To have accurate numbers would ensure schools receive the maximum reimbursement rates.
Household incomes are significantly lower in Chaffee County than in other areas in Colorado and many people that are eligible for benefits are not participating. The high schools have the lowest number of forms received by school staff. Since many high school students leave campus during lunch, LiveWell believes this prevents parents from filling out their forms.
“These grants would not just benefit the children that receive free or reduced lunch, but all students,” Malde added. “We hope that parents can see the community benefit in filling out their forms.”
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