Last year was all about transformation for the Colorado Blueprint to End Hunger, both in how we show up in community and how we lead. Dig into our 2024 Impact Report to see what we accomplished together—and where we’re headed next.
The Blueprint and other anti-hunger advocates across the state are urging Governor Jared Polis to reject harmful proposals that would limit what Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants can buy. Join us in saying no to SNAP restrictions!
We’re speaking out against the federal cancellation of $1.13 billion in investments meant to support local farmers, schools, and food banks and pantries through the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement (LFPA) and Local Food for Schools (LFS) programs.
As allies of our immigrant and refugee communities, we pledge to defend dignity, center people’s safety, and demand justice. We’ll also continue to share resources for communities and organizations so they know their rights and can protect personal information.
August 15, 2024
Colorado’s new Community Food Grants support all qualifying emergency food assistance providers with funding, specifically the procurement and distribution of healthy, culturally relevant foods in communities, while also championing local agriculture. The 2024 - 2025 funding application cycle is open only to food pantries.
August 1, 2024
As the Colorado Blueprint to End Hunger continues to fully transition, we’ll sunset our Governing Council this September and establish a food sovereignty advisory board in October. The new Advisory Board of nine community representatives will play a pivotal role in ensuring all Blueprint efforts are deeply rooted in community initiatives and guided by the principles of food justice and sovereignty.
July 24, 2024
Our Policy & Community Justice Team is joining Coloradans for Local Communities to raise awareness for two statewide ballot measures – Initiatives 50 and 108 – this fall. They’re being touted as relief to Coloradans when they’ll actually do the opposite: devastating the power of local communities to invest in what their residents need to thrive.
July 19, 2024
We’re convening and soliciting feedback from food pantries, food banks, and others directly impacted by the new Community Food Assistance Provider Grant program. Our goal is to better understand how the future grants should be structured and administered before applications open in late summer.
June 26, 2024
This month, we released a new report that sheds light on the effectiveness of the 2023 Food Pantry Assistance Grant program. Underscoring the importance of accessibility, equity, interconnectedness, and a culture of care, it recommends several improvements for the Blueprint’s grant initiative.
June 13, 2024
With support from our Federal Policy Committee, the Colorado Blueprint to End Hunger and partners recently sent another letter to Colorado’s Attorney General related to the $24.6 billion proposed merger of Kroger and Albertsons. Collectively, we expressed deep concerns about the recent sale of 91 Safeway locations across Colorado, done in hopes of helping secure the merger.
June 12, 2024
Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom but also a day to acknowledge the immense contributions of Black labor to the foundation and growth of the United States. Let’s honor the resilience and culture of Black Americans as well as their enduring struggles for equity and justice – including with food and nutrition — on Wednesday, June 19.
June 11, 2024
Throughout the month of June, there’s a dual celebration of identities and histories that shape our communities and our work for fair food access and community-owned food systems. Pride Month and Immigrant Heritage Month not only spotlight the richness brought by diverse identities but also the ongoing struggles for equity and justice.
June 5, 2024
As an organization committed to transparency and collaboration, the Colorado Blueprint to End Hunger presents its 2024 state legislative session review. Our team, through the Blueprint’s State Policy Committee, entered the session with many collective priorities. Join us in celebrating wins and reflecting on lessons learned as we all move towards a policy and advocacy landscape that’s fully accessible and working for the people of Colorado.
May 30, 2024
Our Connecting Food & Health Project Team is gathering sign-ons for a letter to the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing. It’s intended to show our support as advocates for a Regional Accountable Entity bid process that prioritizes: equity and inclusion, food and nutrition supports, and accountability and performance improvement in our state’s Medicaid program called Health First Colorado.
May 28, 2024
The Colorado Blueprint to End Hunger has officially concluded its yearlong strategic planning and transformation process! Earlier this month, our Governing Council unanimously approved the Blueprint’s new framework and structure – and we’re ready to share a little more about what this means for our future (with more to come soon).
May 17, 2024
All over Colorado, farmers’ markets are starting to pop up with local growers ready to sell their farm-fresh produce! These markets are a vital part of our food systems, serving as a way for community members to access local, nourishing foods while also providing income opportunities for farmers, ranchers, and other producers.
May 15, 2024
House Bill 2024-1301, with a focus on time to eat and play in Colorado public schools, did not advance during the 2024 state legislative session. While the Colorado Blueprint to End Hunger and Nourish Colorado are disappointed in the outcome, both organizations will continue to advocate for time-to-eat policies in Colorado. Together, we plan to create our own opportunities to evaluate best practices and policies, which will kick off this summer with ample options for network input.
May 14, 2024
This month, the Blueprint recognizes Asian American, Native Hawai’ian & Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month. It’s a time to reflect upon and celebrate the many contributions of the AANHPI community – consisting of culturally and linguistically diverse people representing many countries and islands of origin – throughout our nation’s history. It’s also a time to recognize the many challenges that these communities have endured and continue to face today in Colorado and beyond, including access to nourishing and culturally relevant food.
