Purchase and distribute coloradogrown and raised food products to rural, remote, and underservedcommunities targeting purchases from socially disadvantaged farmers andranchers

The colorado department of human services will administer thelocal food purchase assistance funds through a competitive procurementprogram for colorado food producers, for-profit organizations, andnonprofit organizations such as food banks and food pantries. Coloradowill use evaluation criteria so applicants will target production offood by small and socially disadvantaged producers and distributionthrough food pantries not affiliated with the emergency food assistanceprogram to reach underserved community members. Colorado will emphasizecreating sustainable markets for producers. Expected outcomes forcolorado include strengthening the agricultural supply chain by creatingnew marketing opportunities for local and regional farmers and producersand targeting socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers. The stateagency will also expand partnerships in the food distribution communityby distributing the fresh and nutritious foods to underserved communities. The colorado department of human services will partner with the colorado department of agriculture thereby enhancingcross-departmental expertise and program knowledge resulting in bettertechnical assistance to socially disadvantaged producers and distribution sites. Quarterly performance reports will be submitted to capture the number of producers, socially disadvantaged farmersand ranchers, distribution sites, and underserved locations as well asfunds expended for each category. Annual reports will provide percentages of new marketing opportunities and purchases distributed beyond current food distribution networks. Intendedbeneficiaries include small and socially disadvantaged colorado farmersand ranchers, underserved communities such as those in remote, ruralareas, and other organizations involved in the local food supply chain. The recipient does not intend to subaward funds.