Unlocking Fresh Food for All: Millions in Funding for Boulder Producers to Expand Reach!

Boulder County has exciting news for local food growers and retailers! There’s a significant opportunity to access millions of dollars aimed at improving healthy food access in low-income neighborhoods. The Colorado Department of Agriculture has launched the Community Food Access Program, which offers $10 million each year in tax credits for those serving communities with limited access to fresh, healthy food. This tax credit can cover up to 75% of expenses for essential equipment like refrigeration units, trucks, and irrigation systems.

Organizations like the Boulder and Broomfield Food Security Network (BBFSN) are eager to help eligible businesses navigate the application process. Erika Wey, a technical assistance provider with BBFSN, has helped several local businesses with their applications, focusing mostly on refrigeration needs. However, she reminds us that there are still plenty of funds available to support additional equipment purchases.

“The goal of this $10 million is to bring fresh, hopefully local, better food into low-income neighborhoods,” she emphasizes.

Much of Boulder and Longmont is considered a low-access area, as shown in this map highlighting qualifying regions. These areas are identified based on household income and proximity to grocery stores. Notably, businesses don’t have to be physically located in these areas to qualify—they just need to serve those customers. Additionally, any seller accepting SNAP benefits automatically qualifies.

“If a farmer or farm stand takes SNAP, that qualifies,” Wey explains. “They simply need to provide details about their sales.”

This program evolved from a 2022 grant initiative aimed at supporting small food enterprises. It transitioned to a tax credit system in 2024, with a solid $10 million allocated annually until 2030. Since the rollout began late last year, unclaimed funds can roll over, giving businesses even more access to essential resources. Last year, applications barely reached $500,000, indicating that many opportunities still remain untapped.

Applicants can also retroactively apply for expenses from 2024 while still being eligible for 2025. There’s no limit to how much businesses can reclaim, making this a handy option for growers and retailers.

Take Switch Gears Farm in Longmont, for example. Co-founder Vanita Patel shared how the program enabled them to purchase a tractor and essential attachments to enhance their operations. Their application focused on how improved efficiency could lower produce costs for their customers.

“By becoming more efficient in our fieldwork, we save on operating costs, which translates to savings for the communities we serve,” Patel said.

The program also covers the costs for technical assistance, which means businesses like Switch Gears Farm can receive guidance at no extra charge.

Wey highlighted the growing interest from retailers who want to source local produce. She connects farmers with these retailers, ensuring that both sides benefit. Importantly, businesses can get pre-approved before making significant purchases, allowing them to plan wisely. However, there’s a noticeable gap since many farmers lack the upfront capital needed to begin. To address this, the state is working to find lenders willing to provide low or no-interest loans backed by the anticipated tax credits.

Now is the time to apply, according to Wey. The process remains streamlined, and many funds are still available. “This money hasn’t been heavily utilized yet,” she said. “The reviewing process is straightforward and not competitive right now.”

For aspiring businesses, it’s a great opportunity to tap into resources that can help elevate healthy food access in their communities. For more information or assistance in applying, reach out to BoulderBroomfieldFSN@gmail.com. You can also verify your eligibility by viewing the map here.

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