colorado food policy network

Promoting healthy, community-based, economically viable food systems in Colorado that ensure all residents have access to affordable, nutritious food.

The Colorado Food Policy Network (COFPN) is a collective of state, regional, and local food coalitions that seeks to promote healthy, community-based, economically viable food systems in Colorado that ensure all residents have access to affordable, nutritious food. The network works through building the capacity of local food systems coalitions to effect change, advancing regional and state level policies, investments and strategies, and creating the conditions for deeper collaboration and impact

COFPN operates through a Leadership Council comprised of members from all over the state of Colorado. Currently, the network identified five areas of focus and created five work groups to address these issues

COFPN WORK GROUPS

Food Bills Action Team

This group formed around the 2018 Farm Bill. They meet the 1st and 3rd of each month from noon – 12:30pm and discuss updates and action items to support Farm Bill items that increase access to healthy eating. In 2019, this group follows and advocates around relevant rule-making with the Farm Bill.

Land, Capital, and Water Access for Food and Production

This work group focuses on increasing access to space and resources to produce healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables. Current projects include creating issue briefs and related state policy proposals for creating Ag Development Districts and creating a tax credit for new and beginning farmers.

Food and Health Collaborative

This work group focuses on increasing incentives such as Fruit and Vegetable Rx programs. Current projects include partnering with Colorado Prevention Alliance to build a broader coalition.

Healthy Food Systems Retail

This work group focuses on increasing availability of healthy foods in retail locations, especially in “food deserts” where healthy food is less readily available, and encouraging people to take advantage of healthy food offerings. Participants have been focused on working with the Colorado Food Systems Advisory Council on a white paper on healthy food retail for SNAP and WIC- authorized food vendors.

Farm to Institution

This work group focuses on supporting institutions (such as schools, hospitals and correctional facilities) to increase the amount of food they procure from Colorado farmers. Current projects include creating a documentary highlighting FtI efforts across the state and encouraging institutions to increase their local procurement.

Get in Touch!

Questions about the Colorado Food Policy Network, how you can get involved, or interested in how we can help improve food systems in your area? We would love to hear from you!