Food Trust
Decreasing food insecurity and increasing health and well being.
The Food Trust program is an initiative of the Colorado Food Cluster (CFC) aimed at reimagining our food system. It represents the first phase of a Community Food Utility, a Colorado concept funded by the Morgridge Family Foundation, with research and engagement led by NewImpact and Metro Caring, and Congressionally Directed Spending support from the office of Senator John Hickenlooper. A Community Food Utility is intended to provide food access to participants, and enable high quality, healthy, and desired food to reach everyone without obstacles.
Food Trust directly addresses social determinants of health by reducing food costs, enabling healthier choices, and freeing up resources for other essential needs. The program provides fully discounted, high-quality food to residents regardless of income, thereby addressing food security and reducing stigma associated with food assistance. The pilot program, launching in 2024, will enroll 100- 300 participants across two Colorado sites over a 12-month period, with the goal of demonstrating the health, social, and economic benefits of this model.
HOW OUR PROGRAM WORKS
An Innovative Model to Address Food Insecurity
Universal Access and Non-Means-Tested Enrollment
Technology-Driven Integration with Grocery Retailer
Partnerships with Diverse Grocers
Community-Driven Evaluation and Data Commons
The Food Trust program is unique because it reimagines food access programs by integrating directly with food retail systems. Key aspects include:
Unlike most food assistance programs, Food Trust is open to all residents regardless of income, fostering an inclusive approach that reduces stigma associated with traditional food assistance.
The program includes an innovative Food Trust Technology Platform that integrates directly with grocery retailers' point-of-sale (POS) systems, allowing seamless access to fully discounted food items and, in the future, exclusive discounts. This platform simplifies the experience, reducing stigma and making Food Trust feel like a regular grocery shopping experience.
By partnering with both large and local grocers, Food Trust supports access to affordable, quality foods across urban and rural Colorado. Leevers Owned, Save-A-Lot in Denver, and Simple Foods Market in Del Norte provide inclusive, high-quality food options that align with local community needs.
The program includes a rigorous program evaluation in collaboration with the Center for Improving Value in Health Care (CIVHC). By integrating data from the CO APCD, self-reported surveys, and shopping behavior, the evaluation aims to assess impacts on health, food security, and economic stability.
Get Involved and Learn More!
Get Involved and Learn More!
We need technical partners, funders, thought-partners, and other sponsors to help make this project a success and sustainable. Are you interested in:
Expanding our network of experts and advisors in the food ecosystem
Offering support for private and philanthropic funding and connections to have a large scale impact on healthcare and food insecurity
Serving as a future food retailer/food depot sites
Supporting member recruitment and enrollment