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In 2022, Colorado became one of the first states in the nation to pass a universal free school meal program when Proposition FF created Colorado Healthy School Meals for All (HSMA). In May 2025, the Colorado General Assembly passed HB25-1274 to fully fund the HSMA program, which has been referred to two ballot measures in the November 2025 election (Proposition LL to retain current funding and Proposition MM to increase funding). This health note reviewed recent literature on the impacts of universal free school meal programs (i.e., free breakfast and lunch for children) on school meal participation, child nutrition, food security, financial wellbeing, academic outcomes, and food waste. The relationship between access to school meals and wellbeing is well established in the public health literature, and evidence shows that healthy diets and food security are associated with improved cognitive function and better academic performance.
Published: November 2025
Publisher: Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
Authors: Carignan S, Weston C.
Age Groups: Adolescents (grades 9 to 12), Elementary-age children (grades K to 5), Young adolescents (grades 6 to 8)
Race/Ethnicity: African American or Black, American Indian, Asian, Latino(a) or Hispanic, Multi-racial/ethnic, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, White
State: Colorado
Keywords: Law/policy, School meal programs, School wellness policies
Focus Areas: Nutrition Policy & Programs, School & After School
Resource Type: Research Brief
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