Design of Central Kitchen Underway

Adams 12 Five Star Schools is taking a major step to strengthen student well-being with the design of a new Nutrition Services Center (NSC) – a centralized food production and warehouse facility that will transform how meals are prepared, stored and delivered across the district. 

Now in the design phase, the bond-funded project is scheduled to break ground in spring 2026, with completion expected by summer 2027. 

For thousands of students, the meals served at school are not just a convenience – they provide critical daily nutrition that directly supports learning, attendance and behavioral health. With meal participation continuing to rise, the district’s current site-based production model is increasingly limited. The NSC provides a centralized approach that will improve meal quality, efficiency and choice for students. 

The new NSC will house a modern scratch-cooking kitchen, expanded cold, dry and frozen storage, a centralized warehouse and dedicated spaces for ingredient control, packaging and a test kitchen. The facility will be built on district-owned land located just south of North Stadium in Westminster.

The transition to a central kitchen and warehouse will increase menu creativity, expand opportunities to partner with local farmers and ranchers, and provide greater oversight of ingredient and allergen management. This model also allows the nutrition services department to optimize its operations, supporting future investments for students and families. 

How Propositions LL and MM Strengthen Student Nutrition

The statewide passage of Proposition LL and Proposition MM in the November 2025 election further boosts the district’s ability to support students. Together, these measures reinforce statewide funding streams for K-12 students and ensure districts can continue offering high-quality, no-cost meals – precisely the model the new Nutrition Services Center is built to enhance.

Proposition LL protects critical revenue that supports public education and student programs, helping districts maintain and expand services without raising taxes on local residents.

Proposition MM provides support for sustaining Colorado’s universal school meals program, ensuring districts receive adequate funding for every meal they serve and can keep nutrition programs strong and financially stable.

By securing these funding sources, propositions LL and MM directly complement the district’s investment in the NSC. 

A Stronger, Healthier Future for Five Star Students

With the community’s support through the 2024 bond program – and the added stability from propositions LL and MM – the Nutrition Services Center will create a more sustainable, student-centered nutrition model for years to come. 

When the new facility opens its doors in 2027, it will give the district the tools to expand food variety, leverage local agriculture, improve ingredient quality and ensure that every student has access to the meals they need to thrive.

Learn more about this investment and other bond projects on the bond webpage.