On June 14, the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners approved $1.7 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to be used to support Jefferson County’s long-term food security and collective impact efforts. Applications are now open for the Jefferson County Food System Grant and will be accepted through Friday, Oct. 28.
Jefferson Center County Public Health (JCPH) will primarily coordinate this grant program, and eligible applicants may include: registered 501 (c)(3) nonprofits (or government equivalent), small food and/or farmer business, as well as sourcing, processing, packaging and food distribution entities.
Visit the Jefferson County Food System Grant page for complete information. There will also be an online information and Q&A session Tuesday, Sept. 27 from 4-5:15 p.m. Register for the informational webinar here.
“As we continue move from pandemic relief to long-term food systems recovery, this ARPA funding provides us with a historical chance to foster a more equitable and resilient food system for our Jefferson County community," said Willow Cozzens, Food Equity and Nutrition Security Coordinator for JCPH.
Grants will be awarded in amounts up to $300,000 (no minimum), and those awards will be based on the type of project, service area, and the strength of agreement with the Request for Applications (PDF). Applicants will be notified of their application status no later than Monday, Nov. 28.
After ARPA was signed into law in March 2021, Jefferson County was awarded $113 million in ARPA funding relief. Prior to the pandemic, 9.1% of Coloradans and 10% of Jefferson County residents were experiencing food insecurity. Since the pandemic began, that number has quadrupled, as 38% (or 2 of 5 Coloradans) are experiencing food insecurity.
For more information about this grant opportunity, email Willow Cozzens.