**We are accepting signatures until EOD on Friday, May 9th

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The Southwest Food Coalition in partnership with community organizations and community leaders across the City and County of Denver are writing to urge your support for the establishment of a Food Justice Fund to address ongoing food insecurity in Denver.

Food insecurity is defined as the lack of access to enough nutritious food to sustain a healthy life. Data gathered by the Denver Department of Public Health and Environment in 2024 shows that 15% of Denver residents (more than 107,000 people) are food insecure. 89% of Denver residents agree that elected officials and civic leaders should make it a major priority to ensure that everyone in Denver can get enough healthy food to eat.  Access to nutritious, affordable, and culturally relevant food is essential for realizing and maintaining a healthy and prosperous community. The dedicated community organizations and leaders across Denver need sustainable, flexible funding to provide access to healthy food to residents.

With continued increases in food costs, barriers to transportation, lack of access to grocery stores, and shortcomings of federal food assistance programs, the need is greater than ever. A Food Justice Fund would create flexible funding for purchasing, storage, delivery infrastructure, community engagement, education, and advocacy for food work. Investing financially in on-going, community-based food justice work would not only provide immediate relief for those experiencing food insecurity, but also provide opportunities to create positive systemic change. By establishing a Food Justice Fund, Denver can take a significant step toward building the inclusive, healthy, vibrant, and resilient food system outlined in the Denver Food Vision.

Food insecurity is a systemic issue that should be addressed holistically, led and informed by community needs. We strongly urge you to listen to the voices of your community and establish a Food Justice Fund to support the work of committed community organizations. The benefits are clear, and its impact would be immense.

Thank you for your attention and commitment to this important matter.

Sincerely,

Ken Knoblock on behalf of the Southwest Food Coalition and Denver based organizations and community leaders.