POLICY COMMITEES

A key strategy of the Colorado Blueprint to End Hunger is to advance legislative efforts at both the state and federal levels to support the Blueprint’s goals and advance its mission. There are currently two committees, one dedicated to state policy and the other focused on federal policy.

Both committees are open for anyone to join — no policy experience or expertise is required to participate! We welcome participation from a diverse array of stakeholders, so there’s increased advocacy power to address hunger, increase fair food access, advance food justice, and move towards community-owned food systems.

While supported by the Blueprint’s program office, both committees are collectively led by their members with a semi-formalized structure. Their work is amplified through the Blueprint network and our partners to inform decision-making at the organizational, local, and state levels so they are as inclusive and impactful as possible.

Interested in joining one of our policy committees?

Anyone is welcome to participate! Please contact the Blueprint’s staff liaison (listed below) to learn more and get added to the member list for calendar invitations. All new committee members must attend an orientation before officially joining.

As part of our commitment to equity, we offer simultaneous interpretation in Spanish, closed captioning, and compensation to those who participate outside of their regular job. (Please contact us if you have other accessibility requests to fully participate.)

STATE POLICY COMMITTEE

Meets every two weeks on Tuesdays from 12 - 1 p.m. via Zoom

Next meeting:
Tuesday, January 7, 2025
Agenda coming soon!


Committee Staff Liaison: Greta Allen, Policy Director

Committee Goal: To create, execute, and manage a state anti-hunger policy platform that advocates for sustainable, equitable, and effective food and farm systems in Colorado 

Committee Value: An inclusive and accessible committee that’s centered on equity and the priorities of communities and individuals impacted by hunger

Meeting Goals: Collectively provide updates on state legislative and rule-making items, as well as create space for partner sharing and requests

Decision-making: The above value is the foundation for any decision-making and dialogue occurring within the group. When partners request Blueprint engagement on legislative and rule-making priorities, group members are afforded one vote per organization to direct the Blueprint’s priorities and level of support.

Key Updates:

  • Most recent meeting notes & recordings (2024): December 10, November 12, October 29, October 15, September 17, September 3, August 6, July 23, July 9, June 25

  • State legislative session: Read our 2024 legislative review. We’re starting to prepare for the 2025 session. Legislative priorities are often focused on food and nutrition matters but also address other intersecting health, social, and economic disparities that impact Colorado communities and everyone’s ability to thrive. Please reach out if you would like to bring your community’s or organization’s priorities to the Committee for resourcing and assistance.

  • Healthy School Meals for All: The new no-cost program for students has exceeded expectations in participation – so much so that there’s a significant funding shortfall to cover all associated costs. Aspects of this shortfall could not have been predicted. And, we recognize that Colorado faces many priorities for limited funding that’s also desperately needed for education, housing, mental health, and more. That’s why we’re working towards sustainable funding that Colorado families, schools, and producers can rely upon every school year.

  • Endorsements: The committee voted to endorse Healthy Beverage Partnership’s Healthy Drinks in Children’s Meals strategy in Fall 2023. Here’s an update about what’s happening around efforts in Denver as of Spring 2024.

FEDERAL POLICY COMMITTEE

Meets every two weeks on Thursdays from 3 - 4 p.m. via Zoom

Next meeting:
Thursday, January 16, 2025
Agenda coming soon!

Committee Staff Liaison: Dayana Leyva, Policy Manager

Committee Goal: Effectively organize state anti-hunger advocacy efforts at the federal level

Committee Value: An inclusive and accessible committee that’s centered on equity and the priorities of communities and individuals impacted by hunger

Meeting Goals: Collectively provide updates on federal legislation, as well as create space for partner sharing and requests

Key Updates:

MEETING CALENDAR