The Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) is proud to announce Colorado as the first state to receive the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Jenny Lester Moffitt, USDA under secretary for marketing and regulatory programs, joined the announcement, along with CDHS Executive Director Michelle Barnes and Commissioner of Agriculture Kate Greenberg. Colorado was awarded nearly $3.9 million and applications will be open through May 25.
Colorado will be awarding two-year grants with this funding, and applications have opened. This grant will provide funding targeted for local and regional socially disadvantaged producers for food purchases distributed in underserved communities. CDHS will accept grant applications for projects that design innovative procurement programs that strengthen the local and regional food system and purchase foods that are healthy, nutritious, and unique to the geographic area.