AUGUST 2017
 
 Food Stamp Rule Change Good for Coloradans
More Coloradans who are facing difficult life circumstances and financial challenges will be able to keep their food stamp benefits under a recent set of rule changes unanimously approved by Colorado's State Board of Human Services. 

Recent federal guidance has encouraged states to exempt a broader set of participants from work requirements who may not be physically or mentally able to work or participate in employment training, such as those who are experiencing homelessness. We're happy to report that Colorado adopted these changes to go into effect October 1, 2017.

Hunger Free Colorado and Colorado Center on Law and Policy (CCLP) have been coordinating with the state to adopt these new changes for more than a year.

Read more about the final rule package and those affected on the Hunger Free Colorado blog.
 
Hungry for Change Summit Agenda Released
Registration is open for the 2017  Hungry For Change Summit ! The event will be  Wednesday, September 27, at The Cable Center in Denver. The event sells out quickly, so purchase your ticket now to reserve your spot! We have a special rate for nonprofits.

Our keynote speaker is Dr. Maya Rockeymoore, president and CEO of Global Policy Solutions. Dr. Rockeymoore has expertise surrounding the intersection of racial injustice and hunger, and is someone you do not want to miss. We'll also be covering local advocacy resources, data-driven messaging and the State Plan to End Hunger. Check out the full agenda. 
 
Registration includes light breakfast, lunch, parking, and entry into all sessions. 

It will be a great day of sharing best practices, exploring innovative approaches to overcome barriers and fostering even more collaboration to ensure no Coloradan goes hungry. We hope to see you there!
 
Other News & Events
Thanks for Supporting
Hike for Hunger 

Hike for Hunger was a great success!  

We raised $28,500 to ensure Coloradans have access to the fuel to thrive and reach their potential! 

This would not have been possible without the support of many hikers, teams, companies, and donors across the state. 

Thank you to everyone who hiked and donated to end hunger in our Colorado, as well as our event sponsors Big Smoke Burger Seattle Fish Co. , and  Halo Branded Solutions ! 

If you missed the hikes, check out this year's Hike for Hunger  photos online! 

Let's Talk About...Inequity

"Equity  is about getting people what they need to succeed," and "[we] need to have policies that enable all Americans to have access." Both Dr. Manuel Pastor and Dr. Darrick Hamilton, along many other cross-sector experts and dedicated professionals, recently shared their research, experiences, stories, art, and recommendations about addressing health inequities during the 2017 Colorado Health Symposium.
 
View presentations and access other resources from The Colorado Health Foundation's annual conference, which took place August 2-4 in Keystone. Then, let's continue the conversation about inequity and what we can do-individually and collectively-to bring optimal health and well-being within reach for all Coloradans.

Raising Awareness and Action
  
Aurora Sentinel spotlighted the the growing national attention on "lunch shaming" and the positive actions being taken by Aurora Public Schools.

Public News Services discussed the importance of the Summer Food Service Program in Colorado, not only for nutritious food but also the fun enrichment activities at many sites

Front Range Focus highlighted the programs of Hunger Free Colorado and the opportunity for gardeners to donate extra produce.

Pagosa Daily Post shared the news that individuals who are chronically homeless will now be able to maintain food stamp benefits to access the food they need to thrive.

The State of Senior Hunger

 A recent report examining hunger among  seniors in America shows a continued struggle to access adequate nutritious  food, creating a major health care challenge. 

 Researchers found the proportion of people over 60 deemed to be 'facing hunger' has been on a steady climb that began in 2001. Currently, about 1 in 10 Colorado seniors may have to choose between purchasing medications, paying bills, and buying groceries.

If you know a senior in need, please connect them with the Food Resource Hotline at
855-855-4626.

The report was released by Feeding America and the National Foundation to End Senior Hunger. 
 
How You Can Take Action




Join Our Action Network  

What's happening at the State Capitol and on Capitol Hill? Sign up for our legislative alerts!

We'll notify you when lawmakers are considering bills and other proposals that impact the nearly 1 in 8 Coloradans who struggle with hunger. With our easy-to-use online advocacy center, you can tell elected officials where you stand on those issues.
Connect More Coloradans
to Food Resources

 

Our statewide, bilingual hotline connects Coloradans to food resources in just one confidential call. Share the Hunger Free Hotline with others who may be in need of food assistance or groups that provide services to their community.   

 

Supporting a Hunger-free Colorado
 
Thanks to Bank of America  for their generous contribution!  Their support helps us continue our innovative work to ensure no Coloradan goes hungry.
  
Hunger Free Colorado, a statewide nonprofit organization launched in 2009, connects
families and individuals to food resources and fuels change in systems,
policies and social views, so no Coloradan goes hungry.