Increasing Access To Nutritious Food From Local Producers

As we return to pre-pandemic federal SNAP benefits where inflation and economic hardship persist, many of our neighbors and families continue to struggle to afford food. Back in December 2018, the state legislators approved funding for a statewide program that aimed to purchase locally produced, high-quality, and nutritious fresh food to assist Coloradans in need of food assistance. The Food Pantry Assistance Grant has been instrumental in helping emergency food providers to serve hundreds of thousands of Coloradans and purchase millions of pounds of food from local producers. However, food pantries continue to report two to six times the number of people needing assistance. 

To support our community needs, local food pantries, emergency and direct food providers, Colorado Gives Foundation will be awarding up to 30 grant opportunities in Jefferson County to increase access to nutritious food with an emphasis on purchasing from local producers. Grant awards will range between $25,000 – $50,000 with a six-month grant term for organizations headquartered in, physically located, or have demonstrated commitment to providing meaningful services in Jefferson County. We are committed to increasing access to diverse, locally produced, nutritious, fresh, and culturally relevant food for our communities. 

Funding recommendations will prioritize those who operate a Food Pantry, Food Bank, or increase direct access to food, those who operate a mobile food pantry or food assistance within a community, those who can accept WIC or SNAP benefits, those who have a commitment to purchase locally produced food, and those who are committed to advancing equity and transforming processes to be more community-led. With this grant opportunity, we hope to provide more support to our neighbors furthest from thriving and ensure access to nutritious, locally produced food. 

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