Who qualifies for the free meals?

All adults and children in need can pick up the free meals, regardless of enrollment in a DPS school and in which city and county they reside. The family does not need to qualify for the free and reduced-price lunch program.

I’m a DPS parent, how can I help?

DPS parents you can donate your “MySchoolBucks” account balance to our Food Security Fund. For more information and to fill out the short form click here.

What is “MySchoolBucks”?

“MySchoolBucks” is a website for parents to pay for their child’s school meals using a credit or debit card. With this online service, parents can also view their student’s meal choices. Learn more at https://payonline.dpsk12.org/myschoolbucks-user-guide/.

Is “MySchoolBucks” donation tax-deductible?

Yes, if the “MySchoolBucks” dollars are being donated to DPS Foundation, it is tax-deductible. We will issue a receipt later when we get the account balance from DPS.

Will the “MySchoolBucks” donation be for my student’s specific school?

We are not able to track the dollars per school so the funds donated will go to the DPS Foundation Food Security Fund that will help to ensure family stability for the community as a whole.

Can I donate just a portion of “MySchoolBucks” account balance?

We are not able to support donating a portion of the account funds at this time.

Will DPS or DPS Foundation accept food donations?

Denver Public Schools and DPS Foundation are not accepting food donations at this time. If you have non-perishable items, we ask you to hold onto those items if you are able and let us know and we will reassess the needs of the community in the coming days and weeks. We recommend checking in with Food Bank of the Rockies.

Can I donate money at the Grab-and-Go Food locations?

No, cash donations are not accepted at the food pick-up locations to minimize social interactions. Donations can be made online for the Food Security Fund at dpsfoundation.org/foodsecurityfund or below.

Can I volunteer at Grab-and-Go sites?

DPS Food and Nutrition Services is handling all of this in accordance with CDC and USDA guidelines. We are abiding by the recommendation to limit social interaction and do not have any volunteer opportunities at this time. Our partners at Mile High United Way are offering opportunities for volunteers.

Does DPS provide transportation for people to obtain these meals?

Starting April 7, DPS is launching a weekday meal delivery program. School buses will deliver meals to schools and community locations throughout the city for the remainder of the school year. They will stop at each site for 20-30 minutes to hand out breakfast and lunch. On Fridays, weekend breakfast and lunch are also available for pickup. For additional information and a list of delivery sites, visit https://www.dpsk12.org/coronavirus/food-distribution/.

Will Grab-and-Go meals be available during Denver’s Stay at Home Order?

Denver Mayor Michael Hancock has ordered all Denver residents to shelter in place beginning 3/24 at 5 p.m. The order will not prevent Denver Public Schools from continuing meal distribution at Denver schools.

When and where can DPS’s breakfast and lunch meals be picked up?

Grab-and-Go Breakfast will be served 8-9 a.m. and lunch will be served 12-1 p.m. All meals for children and adults can be picked up during either time slot. We are adding and readjusting sites based on usage and need. For additional information and up to date site information, visit https://www.dpsk12.org/coronavirus/food-distribution/.

How are families able to eat on the weekend?

Families can pick up meals for the weekend at the twelve meal sites offered by DPS. In partnership with Food for Thought, bagged meals can be picked up on Fridays.

How is DPS leveraging the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)?

The NSLP is a federally assisted meal program that operates in public and nonprofit private schools and residential child care institutions. It provides nutritionally balanced, low-cost or free lunches to children each school day. We are leveraging its existing resources and emergency waivers to ensure children in need are fed, enabling donations to the Food Security Fund to support adults in need.

How are families covering dinner?

The City and County of Denver is ensuring dinners are provided for families. Dinner will be served
from 3:30-5:30 p.m. For additional information and specific site locations, visit https://www.dpsk12.org/coronavirus/food-distribution/.