Fighting for Food
Northern Colorado efforts for Food Justice
Kira Dickerson
8 April 2022
Food justice efforts in Northern Colorado are extremely important. In 2021, nearly 1 in 3 people in Colorado struggled with hunger. This number varies in Northern Colorado, with the 2021 Colorado Health Access Survey reporting that 7.9% of Weld County respondants reported eating less than they should due to a lack of money for food. Boulder and Broomfield counties reported 6.5% and Larimer County reported 7.3% of respondants that ate less than they should.
Not everyone in Northern Colorado is affected equally, however. Hunger Free Colorado and the Colorado Health Access Survey both report that people of color bear the brunt of food justice issues. The pandemic worsened existing inequalities as people of color were more likely to lose their jobs as a result of layoffs, contributing to financial burdens on food budgets. Hunger Free Colorado's survey reported that 2 in 5 individuals of color face food insecurity.
"Nearly one in three Black or African American Coloradans between the ages of 19 and 44 (32.8%) reported not eating enough at some time in the past year due to trouble affording food, compared with 9.9% of white young adults."
Graph sourced from https://hungerfreecolorado.org/
Younger people were also more likely to be food insecure. Young adults (between 19-29) were more likely to report food insecurity. When race and age are combined, the 2021 Colorado Health Access Survey found that one in three Black or African American Coloradans from 19-44 (32.8%) reported not eating enough at some time in the past year due to trouble affording food, compared with 9.9% of white young adults.
Faced with this, many people are unsure where to turn, or where the nearest help is. Online sources can be incomplete or confusing. Below are food pantries and other services that are offered in Larimer, Weld, Boulder, and Broomfield counties. This is not an exhaustive list. Look at your city or county's Human Service Department website for more resources.
Food Pantries and Services in Northern Colorado
These are organizations in Northern Colorado that provide food services to those in need. Follow the link to help out or to get help. Bold links are Feeding America partners or are affiliated with a college or university.
Download the list here.
Food Security
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, food security "exists when all people, at all times, have physical and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food that meets their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life”.
This is about important aspects of a just food system, such as access and distribution.
In a food just world, this would be a guaranteed right to all people. This involves agricultural, economic, educational and political components and processes.
If you or someone you know is experiencing food insecurity in Fort Collins, please download our Food Security resource document that provides information on some helpful organizations in and around Northern Colorado.