Our state is a powerhouse in agriculture. Look at Yuma County, for example, where local farmers produce over $900 million annually and rank as the state’s second-largest agricultural producer. Despite this wealth of food production, many of the families who work tirelessly in these industries struggle to afford fresh, healthy food. No child should go hungry when a solution is within everyone in this room’s reach.
School meals are often the most reliable source of nutrition for many children across the state. State lawmakers are considering a bill right now to fully fund Healthy School Meals for All.
This issue is deeply personal to me. As a child, I benefited from free and reduced meals growing up in Colorado. They were a lifeline to me and continue to be for countless other kids whose parents grow the very food that nourishes communities across the state.
We’ve seen the success of Healthy School Meals for All in ensuring students are fed, learning, and thriving. The program also invests in partnerships between schools and producers, which supports the people who work so hard to grow our food and boosts local economies. Local food purchasing has directed over $2 million to local food. This has resulted in $3.4 million being put into our local economies.
Healthy School Meals for All and the local food purchasing program is making a positive difference for students, our schools and our communities, however, without sustained funding, we risk losing this progress. Even in a hard budget year food access for our children should be prioritized. That is why I am urging lawmakers to support House Bill 25-1274 to give voters the chance to fully fund and implement this program.
We can ensure that Colorado’s children are fed, families are supported, and local farmers are invested in.
Sincerely,
Brizai Gomez, Metro Caring
