Healthy Food for Denver Kids
Renewal and Expansion Effort
Building the Future of HFDK for Denver
Healthy Food for Denver Kids (HFDK) is one of Denver's most significant investments in food access. Approved by Denver voters in 2018, the program has invested millions of dollars in community organizations that provide healthy meals, culturally relevant food, nutrition education, school pantries, community gardens, and assistance accessing federal nutrition benefits.
The current program is scheduled to sunset in 2029. Without reauthorization and voter approval, this critical investment will come to an end.
A coalition of community organizations has come together around a shared goal: Renew and expand Healthy Food for Denver Kids.
An Executive Committee of Community Organizations has been elected and the initial timeline has been established.
Timeline
Momentum…
Support for renewing Healthy Food for Denver Kids continues to grow.
During preparations for this year's Denver Food Summit, following a presentation on food insecurity in Denver, Councilwoman Jamie Torres publicly emphasized the importance of Healthy Food for Denver Kids and expressed her desire for Denver City Council to champion renewal and refer the measure to the November 2027 ballot. City Council Members echoed this sentiment and have shown strong support for food access over the years.
“City Council is your champion behind food justice.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Is HFDK going away?
Not yet. The current program continues through 2029, but renewal must be approved before then to avoid losing this critical investment.
What does "Renewal" mean?
Renewal means placing a new measure before Denver voters asking them to continue investing in Healthy Food for Denver.
What does “Expansion” mean?
Expansion could include exploring options such as increasing available funding, removing a current sunset date, expanding who may be served, or broadening the types of programs eligible for funding.
Has anything been decided yet?
No. The coalition is still in the planning and community engagement phase. Any recommendations about future program improvements will be developed collaboratively with community organizations, stakeholders, and elected officials before a proposal is finalized.
How can I stay involved?
Join the Healthy Food for Denver Kids Renewal Coalition, attend coalition meetings, share information with your networks, and help us build support for ensuring every Denver child has access to healthy food.
Want to get involved or learn more? Contact Sydney at Sydney@southwestfoodcoalition.org