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Understanding Food Policy

How Colorado Legislation and the Farm Bill Impact Our Food System

YOU can shape policies that build a brighter future for Denver!

Our mission to reduce food waste and increase access to nutritious food is deeply intertwined with food policy. Our food landscape is and has been shaped by policies around every step of the food system, and community engagement and collective action are vital to creating a more just and sustainable system. By understanding and engaging with these legislative efforts, we amplify our impact.

 HB25-1274│Healthy School Meals for All: Investing in Our Children

Ensuring universal access to school meals supports children’s well-being and can reduce food waste in schools. Join us in supporting this.

SB25-169 │ Restaurant Meals Program: Expanding Dignified Food Access

This bill aims to allow eligible SNAP recipients (elderly, disabled, housing insecure) to use benefits at restaurants, addressing barriers to meal preparation and fostering dignity. Your voice can help.

Celebrating Community Wins: Reducing Food Waste Together

The passage of HB25-1059, Food Waste Reduction in Public Schools, and HB25-1166, Efforts to Reduce Food Waste, demonstrates the power of collective action in minimizing wasted food.

Federal Food Policy:

A National Framework that Shapes our Food from Seed to Plate

The Farm Bill: Foundational Influence on Our Food System

The federal Farm Bill is a sweeping law impacting every stage of our food system, from what farmers grow (through commodity supports) to what consumers buy (influenced by market dynamics and SNAP). It includes conservation programs and food safety regulations, and even affects food transportation. Past Farm Bills have established vital programs like SNAP, agricultural subsidies, conservation initiatives (like EQIP), and local food support (like LFPEP).

Currently, a new Farm Bill is stalled in Congress due to political gridlock over funding for programs like SNAP and agricultural priorities. This uncertainty affects farmers, food assistance recipients, and the direction of national food policy.

Understanding the Farm Bill’s broad influence is crucial as we advocate for policies supporting food security and sustainability at all levels.

By working together on state and federal policies, we can create meaningful change for a more equitable and sustainable food future. Join Denver Food Rescue in making your voice heard!