LARGEST GRANT DISBURSMENT IN ONWARD! A LEGACY FOUNDATION HISTORY
“ Children in poorer communities are about 1.7 times more likely to struggle with obesity than their middle class peers. This is not just a case of bad food decisions, this is a case of not having any other choice because of whats available to them. Through this grant, thousands of families will have access to these amazing foods, and will have a more opportunity to make those healthy choices. We are incredible grateful for Onward! A Legacy Foundation!” - David Edson, Executive Director.
For Coloradans experiencing hunger, our statewide network of food banks and food pantries provides an access point for emergency food resources. Over the last three years, pantries across the state have been collecting feedback from clients. The surveys have consistently found that there was a mismatch between what foods are available and foods customers want and need to maintain a healthy, balanced diet; specifically PROTEIN, FRESH PRODUCE AND DAIRY. With that feedback in mind, The Food Pantry Assistance Grant is a product of Hunger Free Colorado’s efforts to increase access to healthy foods for all Coloradans. During the 2018 Legislative Session, Hunger Free Colorado worked with the Joint Budget Committee to secure funding in the state budget to be used for the purchase of Colorado Proud products. Because of the benefit to not only visitors of food pantries and banks, but also farmers and Colorado’s local economy, the funding was strongly supported. Onward! is honored to have been chosen as the fiscal agent for the Food Pantry Assistance Grant.
We are grateful to Hunger Free Colorado, the Colorado Department of Human Services, and our state’s elected officials for the work being done to address hunger in Colorado. To bring this grant benefit full circle, Hunger Free Colorado looked at Colorado's vibrant agricultural sector with a strong system for identifying foods grown, processed, and packaged here in Colorado through the "Colorado Proud" program (run by the Colorado Department of Agriculture). With Colorado farmers, ranchers and food businesses in search of new markets and food pantries and banks in search of high-quality, fresh protein, dairy, and produce for their clients the FOOD PANTRY ASSISTANCE GRANT is a new tool to support producers, consumers, food banks and pantries alike. Awards: The Food Pantry Assistance Grant review committee of six individuals from across the state of Colorado was busy at work after the Christmas holiday reading 75 grant applications totaling $1.6 million in requests. While $500,000 in state funding for both Cycle 1 and Cycle 2 only touches these requests, Onward! A Legacy Foundation is pleased to award $326,000 in funding to 70 food pantries and food banks across the state.
Fresh Start Center has an unwavering desire to bring high quality, fresh, and nutrient dense foods to families that would otherwise not be able to afford them.