Note from the CEO
June 2025
Of all the programs and services we offer, the ones that have the greatest impact are those that put food directly—and immediately—into the hands of people who need it. There’s nothing more powerful than meeting someone in a moment of need and being able to offer real help.
Free meals for children and teens when school it out.
May 27th launched the start of our summer feeding program, the Lunch Lab, a vital initiative addressing child hunger during the summer months. Operating as a part of our Kids Cafe program, The Lunch Lab provides free, nutritious meals to children and teens across Larimer County when school is out. The Lunch Lab ensures that children continue to receive healthy meals even when school is out for the summer. Meals are served at various community locations, including libraries and parks, making the food accessible to families throughout the county.
The importance of the Lunch Lab becomes evident when considering the impact of losing access to school meals during summer. Many children rely on school-provided breakfasts and lunches for their daily nutrition. When school is not in session, these meals are not always available, leading to increased food insecurity among children. Studies have shown that food insecurity during summer can lead to negative health outcomes, including increased risk of illness and developmental delays.
Although both the Thompson and Poudre school districts participate in the Healthy School Meals program, a significant number of students still qualify for free or reduced-price lunch under federal guidelines. In the 2023–2024 school year, nearly 10,000 students in the Poudre School District (about 33% of total enrollment) were eligible. In the Thompson School District, approximately 6,200 students—roughly 43% of the student body—qualified for the same support.
Access to nutritious meals is crucial for children’s health, academic performance, and overall well-being.
These numbers highlight the significant reliance on school meal programs among students in Larimer County. Access to nutritious meals is crucial for children’s health, academic performance, and overall well-being. Moreover, food insecurity can affect children’s emotional well-being, leading to feelings of shame and anxiety. By providing consistent access to nutritious meals, the Lunch Lab helps alleviate these issues, ensuring that children can enjoy their summer without the stress of hunger.
The Lunch Lab is more than just a meal program; it is a coordinated community effort to support the health and well-being of our children. Through partnerships with local organizations and the use of accessible sites, we work to reach as many children as possible. Our goal is to ensure that no child in Larimer County goes without nutritious food simply because school is not in session. Every meal served is a reminder that our community shows up for its kids—no matter the season
