Healthy School Meals for All campaign kicks off in Colorado Springs

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- The Healthy School Meals for All campaign is underway in Colorado Springs. Thursday morning, an event was held at The Hillside Hub to kick off the campaign.

"This is a ballot initiative that will help ensure all of our students in public education in Colorado have access to free and healthy, nutritious meals in schools," said Isabel Alvarado with the Colorado Statewide Parent Coalition.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, students in public schools received free lunches without having to go through the process of applying. Now, advocates want to see that become a full-time option for families in Colorado.

Recent numbers show more than 60,000 kids in Colorado can't afford school meals, but they don't qualify for free or reduced lunches.

"We also know that students of color and families of color are disproportionately at risk of not having access to food, and this initiative makes sure that all students regardless of race, gender, socio-economics have access to a healthy school meal," said Alvarado.

The initiative to make meals more available not only promises free lunches but also reimburses school districts for buying locally sourced food. The measure also qualifies districts for equipment upgrade grants.

The measure would be funded by limiting state income tax deductions for the top three percent of Colorado income earners. Only people who make more than $300,000 a year would have this impact on their taxes.

The measure will be on the ballot on November 8th. You can find more information on the initiative here.