This executive summary details the findings and recommendations of a scan of food insecurity in Colorado.
We know that food insecurity, a condition where individuals or families lack access to sufficient food because of limited resources, is strongly linked with poor health outcomes and higher health care costs and utilization. Additionally, food insecurity is directly tied to educational outcomes and school readiness in children, and for seniors, it dramatically impacts self-sufficiency and well-being. Increasing food access and food security is widely recognized as an impactful strategy for improving health outcomes and lifting families out of poverty.
Federal food assistance programs in the U.S. are an effective avenue to alleviate hunger and supplement the food budgets of low-income families. However, Colorado consistently falls short when it comes to enrollment of individuals and families who are eligible to participate in such programs.
The Foundation commissioned Jennifer Banyan of R-Evolution Consulting, to map out the Colorado food security system and develop recommendations around gaps, potential opportunities and next steps.