A year has passed since Attorney General Phil Weiser announced a $3 million grant to support food security and essential needs for families across Colorado. One year later, this initiative has delivered real, measurable relief, helping food banks, pantries, and diaper programs serve thousands of Coloradans in need.
Reinvestment for community good
The $3 million grant originated from a settlement with Walmart over the company’s failure to ensure the price customers paid for its products matched the price listed on the shelf. In 2022, Walmart’s pricing system repeatedly failed to pass price inspections from state agriculture department officials, prompting action by Weiser’s office.
How the funds were allocated
Originally, the grant allocated through the Colorado Department of Human Services directed $2 million toward statewide food bank and pantry programs and $500,000 to diaper services. An additional $500,000 was awarded to 10 community-based organizations working to overcome barriers to food access. These funds empowered a network of support organizations across Colorado, each dedicated to addressing critical needs in some of the state’s most underserved areas.
“Looking back on this initiative, we see the vital role that local food and diaper assistance programs play year-round,” said Weiser. “Our office is honored to have contributed to the crucial work of these organizations as they continue to meet the essential needs of Colorado families.”
Fighting hunger across Colorado
Food banks and pantries are lifelines for families facing hunger. In 2024, $2 million, or 66% of the total grant, was invested in food assistance. This funding helped distribute nearly five million pounds of food, reaching 92% of Colorado.
From urban centers to rural communities, this support ensured fresh, nutritious meals for families struggling with food insecurity. A major driver of this effort was Feeding Colorado, along with local food banks and pantries working tirelessly to meet growing demand.
In recent years, food assistance programs have seen a dramatic rise in demand, driven by inflation, the expiration of pandemic-era benefits, and rising living costs. As more families struggle to afford groceries, food banks have become a critical safety net, often serving significantly more people than in previous years.
Providing dignity and support through diaper programs
Diapers are a necessity, yet many families struggle to afford them. In 2024, these grants helped expand diaper programs across 86 percent of Colorado, reaching nearly 60,000 people in need.
With funding distributed to 11 organizations, including WeeCycle, A Precious Child, and Catholic Charities Marisol Family, families received essential diapers and supplies through food banks, public health agencies, and early childhood programs. United Way of Weld County, Hilltop Community Resources, and Montezuma County Public Health ensured rural communities weren’t left behind.
By easing this financial burden, these grants are helping young families stay healthy, secure, and supported.
Targeting Colorado’s food access barriers
Ten grants helped break barriers to food access across Colorado, reaching thousands of people in communities with limited food resources. These grants supported organizations that directly serve families facing economic hardships, rural and urban food deserts, and other systemic challenges to getting nutritious meals. From distributing hundreds of thousands of pounds of fresh food to launching sustainable food programs, these grants provided both immediate relief and long-term solutions.
Recipients included Food to Power, which served over 11,000 individuals, and Good Samaritan Center, which expanded access by training volunteers in language support. Others, like Gunnison Country Food Pantry, provided direct food aid to hundreds of households, ensuring fresh, healthy options reached those who needed them most. By focusing on high-need areas and community-driven solutions, these grants are strengthening food security across Colorado, one meal at a time. Discover more about the impact of these programs on this interactive map (opens new tab).
As food insecurity and financial strain persist, this funding has been a critical resource in meeting urgent needs. While challenges remain, the impact of these grants has helped thousands of families put food on the table and provide essential care for their children. Continued investment and community support will be vital in ensuring that every Coloradan has access to the necessities they need to thrive.