Food Insecurity in Colorado: Why Fresh Food Matters

Growing cabbage in the Rocky Mountains: Colorado Farm to Table.

Food insecurity may seem like a problem that happens somewhere else, but it is affecting families and individuals throughout Colorado, including right here in Chaffee County. This issue is not just a statistic; it represents the daily struggle of many households who find it challenging to secure enough nutritious food for themselves and their loved ones. The newest Feeding America Map the Meal Gap report, released in July 2026 using 2024 data, estimates that 13.3% of Coloradans (about one in seven people) experienced food insecurity.

This alarming statistic highlights the growing prevalence of hunger in a state that is often perceived as prosperous and thriving. The increase from 8.3% in 2020 to the current figure represents a significant rise in food insecurity, suggesting that many families are facing unprecedented challenges, especially in the wake of economic fluctuations, rising living costs, and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In Chaffee County, the impact of food insecurity is particularly pronounced. Families here are grappling with not only the financial strains of everyday life but also with the lack of access to affordable and healthy food options. Many residents may be unaware of the resources available to them, which can exacerbate their situation. Local food banks, community programs, and outreach initiatives play a crucial role in addressing these issues, yet the demand often outstrips the available supply.

The Broader Implications of Food Insecurity

Food insecurity can lead to a myriad of negative outcomes that extend beyond mere hunger. It affects physical health, mental well-being, and the overall quality of life for individuals and families. Children who experience food insecurity are at a higher risk for developmental delays, poor academic performance, and long-term health issues. Adults may face increased stress, anxiety, and chronic health conditions, which can create a vicious cycle that is difficult to break.

Community Response and Support

In response to this growing concern, various organizations and community leaders in Chaffee County are coming together to combat food insecurity. Initiatives such as food drives, community gardens, and partnerships with local farms aim to provide fresh produce and essential food items to those in need. Education programs are also being implemented to teach families about nutrition, budgeting for food, and cooking skills, empowering them to make healthier choices.

Moreover, advocacy efforts are underway to raise awareness about food insecurity and to push for policy changes that can provide better support for vulnerable populations. These efforts are vital in ensuring that everyone in Colorado, including those in Chaffee County, has access to the food they need to lead healthy, productive lives. It is crucial for community members to recognize that food insecurity is a local issue that requires collective action and support to create meaningful change.

In Chaffee County, the most recent local estimate is 12.3%, meaning roughly one in eight residents may experience food insecurity. Chaffee County's rate is particularly important because rural communities face unique barriers to accessing food, including transportation, distance to grocery stores, limited shopping options, and the higher costs that can come with living in a geographically isolated area.

Who is most affected? Food insecurity can touch anyone, but some groups face substantially greater risks. Children are especially vulnerable, with food insecurity rates generally higher among children than among the overall population. People with low or unstable incomes, single-parent households, people with disabilities, veterans, and some racial and ethnic communities also experience disproportionately high rates. Feeding America also notes that rural communities face heightened challenges.

Importantly, hunger is not synonymous with unemployment or poverty. Nearly 25 million Americans experiencing food insecurity have incomes too high to qualify for federal nutrition assistance, according to the newest Map the Meal Gap report. Rising costs of food, housing, transportation, health care, and utilities can leave working families struggling to afford nutritious meals even when they are employed.

This is where Colorado Farm to Table (CFTT) makes a distinctive contribution. Based in Salida, CFTT grows vegetables specifically for people experiencing food insecurity and distributes them at no cost through food banks, pantries, soup kitchens, churches, and other community organizations. Its distribution network reaches nine Colorado counties, including Chaffee County, as well as the larger Denver and Pikes Peak regions.

In 2025, CFTT donated nearly 100,000 pounds of fresh vegetables to food banks in Chaffee County and throughout Colorado. The organization grows crops such as broccoli, cabbage, squash, and sweet corn—foods that can be difficult for food-assistance organizations to purchase with limited budgets.

Food insecurity is ultimately about more than having enough calories. It is about having reliable access to nutritious food and the dignity of being able to feed yourself and your family well.

Every seed planted at CFTT, every volunteer hour, and every donation helps close that gap—one harvest at a time.