Nourish Colorado Brings INCREDIBLE News!

Wendy Peters Moschetti states:

"After a tough first half of the year for farm and food policy, we’re excited to share some positive news: two major wins for the Local Food Program!

1) HB25-1274 was signed into law by Governor Polis! 

What does this mean?

HB25-1274, the Healthy School Meals for All program, will refer two ballot measures to Colorado voters in the November 2025 election. The outcome of these two measures will determine if funds can be retained for the program and if more funds can be raised to fully implement Healthy School Meals. The ballot measures ask voters:

• If they want the state to be able to retain and spend state revenue on the Healthy School Meals for All Program above the original revenue estimate when the measure was passed in 2022. If voters reject the measure, the state will have to refund about $12M to tax filers who earn above $300,000 annually. If they want to expand the program by $95M by further limiting tax deductions for those who earn over $300,000 a year. If passed, this measure will ensure there is a reserve for the program and that the local food purchasing program can be fully funded statewide.

• If the 1st ballot ("retain", now officially Prop LL) passes, the Local Food Program will be provided a baseline of $1M a year, and if the 2nd ballot ("raise”, Prop MM) measure passes, then that will ensure a sustainable path towards having a fully funded statewide Local Food Program.

• Your organization can endorse Prop LL and Prop MM here.  

  
  

2.  Nourish Colorado and our most amazing lobbyist, Emma Bliesener, worked with the Joint Budget Committee to secure one additional year of the Local Food Program at the current pilot levels for the 25-26 school year!

What does this mean? 

Governor Polis signed SB 25-214, ensuring the Local Food Program receives funding for one more year. This bill, championed by the Colorado Joint Budget Committee, is a huge win for food systems during a time of budget and grant uncertainty. We’re so thankful for Colorado Joint Budget Committee members Sen. Jeff Bridges, Sen. Judy Amabile, Sen. Barbara Kirkmeyer, Rep. Shannon Bird, Rep. Emily Sirota, and Rep. Rick Taggart. 

Regardless of what happens with the ballot measure in November, the Local Food Program continues next year! This should look seamless, given that the Colorado Department of Education will continue the same application process and timeline for participating school districts. Applications are already open under "Purchase Local Food". 

Both of these are worth celebrating! Here’s some ideas:

• Reshare our posts thanking the Joint Budget Committee on Instagram and LinkedIn

• Spread the word about the importance and positive impact of the Local Food Program with your networks in preparation for the election later this year. You can also share your story with us and we’ll do the posting for you!

So many thanks to all of our partners!

--- The Nourish Colorado Team"