Denver is increasingly recognized for its dynamic food scene, offering everything from innovative culinary experiences to comforting classics. But beyond the buzz of new restaurants and craft breweries, a significant movement is growing around healthy food access and equitable food distribution. When we talk about “Food In Denver”, it’s about more than just dining out; it’s about the collective effort to ensure everyone in the community has access to nutritious meals and food education.
A cornerstone of this movement is the Healthy Food for Denver’s Kids (HFDK) Initiative. Established through the 2018 Denver Ballot Measure 302, HFDK was created to significantly improve healthy food options and food-based education for Denver’s youth. Denver residents demonstrated their commitment to children’s well-being by approving a small 0.08% sales tax increase, dedicated entirely to funding this vital program. This initiative reflects a deep understanding within Denver that access to healthy food is fundamental for children’s development and the city’s future.
The HFDK initiative is projected to generate approximately $11 million annually for a decade, funds which are strategically allocated through competitive grants. These grants are awarded to local government agencies, Denver public schools (including Denver Public Schools), and impactful non-profit organizations. A key priority is serving low-income youth, ensuring that resources reach those communities most in need. Funding decisions are meticulously determined by a volunteer Commission comprising 13 members from non-profit, government, and community sectors. This diverse commission ensures a range of perspectives and expertise guide the allocation process, emphasizing values like racial equity, community engagement, and complete transparency.
HFDK’s operational approach is deeply rooted in principles of racial equity, diversity, and inclusion. They actively gather insights from grantees, community partners, and families with lived experiences of food insecurity to inform their decisions. The initiative champions equitable distribution, directing funds to the most under-resourced communities and the organizations that are dedicated to serving them. Furthermore, HFDK promotes flexibility and innovation in program implementation, encouraging grantees to develop both new programs and expand successful existing ones. Recognizing the challenges faced by grantees, HFDK is committed to streamlining processes and offering additional support such as technical assistance and capacity building, fostering a collaborative ecosystem for healthy food initiatives in Denver.
Through impactful programs like HFDK, the concept of “food in Denver” is evolving to represent not just culinary excellence, but also health, accessibility, and a strong sense of community responsibility. It’s about building a robust and equitable food system where every child in Denver has the opportunity to thrive through access to nutritious food and valuable food education.
