Nearly five million pounds of food have been distributed across 92% of Colorado, and diaper assistance has reached nearly 60,000 individuals in 86% of the state, thanks to a $3 million grant announced by Attorney General Phil Weiser a little over a year ago. The funding has helped food banks, food pantries, and diaper assistance programs meet increased demand and provide essential resources to thousands of Coloradans.
The grant originated from a 2022 consumer protection settlement with Walmart over pricing inaccuracies at checkout. Funds were allocated to three key areas: $2 million for food bank and pantry programs and $500,000 for diaper assistance in collaboration with the Colorado Department of Human Services. CDHS played a key role in promptly administering these funds within their existing local network of food and diaper programs and overseeing reporting to ensure effective implementation. An additional $500,000 was awarded through grants of up to $50,000 to 10 organizations focused on increasing food access in underserved areas and addressing systemic barriers to food security.
“This funding has made a meaningful difference for families across Colorado,” said Weiser. “Food banks and diaper assistance programs play a critical role in supporting communities, and we are proud to have contributed to their efforts.”
Food insecurity remains a significant challenge, with food banks experiencing rising demand due to inflation and the expiration of pandemic-era benefits. Organizations such as Feeding Colorado, Food Bank for Larimer County, and Gunnison County Food Pantry expanded services to meet the growing need.
Colorado diaper assistance programs experienced a significant boost with these grant funds, with funding enabling organizations such as WeeCycle, A Precious Child, and Catholic Charities Marisol Family to distribute essential supplies. Rural communities also saw meaningful benefits, as groups like Montezuma County Public Health and Hilltop Community Resources worked to ensure families in remote areas had reliable access to basic newborn and toddler necessities.
Beyond direct food and diaper assistance, the grants supported innovative initiatives. Food to Power, which provided 148,000 pounds of fresh produce to over 11,000 individuals, played a crucial role in expanding access to nutritious meals, while the Good Samaritan Center enhanced language accessibility in food assistance programs, ensuring that more families could navigate available resources effectively.
As economic challenges persist, the Colorado Attorney General’s Office remains committed to supporting initiatives that provide essential resources to Colorado families. More information on the grant’s impact and recipient organizations can be found at the Colorado Attorney General’s Office website.
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