On Wednesday, February 19th, Hunger Free Colorado, in partnership with Save the Children Action Network and Clayton Early Learning, gathered with over 100 advocates to rally in solidarity before walking to the Colorado State Capitol for a powerful day of action. The goal: to champion policies that support the well-being of Colorado’s children.
The day’s advocacy efforts centered on securing robust support and funding for the Healthy School Meals for All (HSMA) program to sustain it for the long term—an essential initiative to ensure we #KeepKidsFed in our state. Advocates also pushed for increased investment in Universal Preschool (UPK) and the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP), both critical to creating a stronger foundation for Colorado’s youngest.
Upon arriving at the Capitol, participants split into district-based groups to meet with their state senators and representatives. Many shared heartfelt stories of how the Healthy School Meals for All program has positively impacted their children, families, and communities. While all public school students in Colorado currently have access to free meals, advocates emphasized the urgent need to sustain other vital components of the program. These include local purchasing grants that help schools buy fresh, healthy food from Colorado farmers and ranchers, technical assistance grants for improving kitchen equipment and promoting from-scratch cooking, and wage boosts for frontline cafeteria workers.
Ensuring that free school meals are nutritious, locally sourced, and prepared by well-compensated staff is a key priority for Hunger Free Colorado and its partners this legislative session. By enhancing the quality of school meals and supporting those who prepare them, we are investing not only in the health of Colorado’s children, but their futures as well.
Advocates also voiced strong support for Governor Polis’s proposed funding increase for the Universal Preschool Program, recognizing it as a strategic investment in the long-term sustainability and accessibility of quality early childhood education. Additionally, they backed the Governor’s request for $10 million in additional funding for the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP) which would provide critical support to low-income working families in need of affordable childcare.
The atmosphere at the Capitol was electric, with crowds gathered outside the House and Senate chambers. Legislators were pulled from the floor to hear directly from their constituents—Coloradans eager to share their lived experiences and stress the importance of fully funding these transformative programs.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who took time to raise their voices, as well as to the legislators who listened with open minds. February 19th was a testament to the sheer power of collective action when we all come together and fight for what we believe in. Stay tuned for more updates around funding for the Healthy School Meals for All program, now introduced as HB25-1274.
Want to be part of our efforts to #KeepKidsFed? Organizations can sign on in support of Healthy Sch
ool Meals for All: https://bit.ly/Support2025HSMAlegislation.
