Transitioning Policy Efforts

Building Momentum For Community-Driven Food Distribution Solutions

The Arapahoe Food Security Coalition Policy Committee is sunsetting as the Coalition transitions away from the sweetened beverage policy work. Arapahoe County Public Health had been the recipient of a grant that focused on engaging in local policies addressing sweetened beverage consumption, an important public health issue linked to higher rates of Type II diabetes and other chronic conditions. Taxes or fees incurred on these products presented an opportunity to raise needed revenue for the food hub and other food security resources. However, after ample policy analysis, including timing and feasibility, a strategic decision was made to focus our resources on building broader awareness of the need for increased access to nutrient dense foods and plan development for a local food hub.

With the full support of Arapahoe County Public Health, the Coalition now has additional resources available to meet the growing momentum for regional food hub planning. Our community engagement efforts have expanded significantly. We’ve been present at numerous local events to share information about the Coalition, recruit new members, and gather input from residents across the Tri‑Cities. Several Coalition members have also stepped forward to speak at City Council meetings in Englewood, Littleton, and Sheridan, highlighting how a regional hub could strengthen healthy food distribution and support families facing food insecurity.

We extend our sincere appreciation to Andrew Forlines, Englewood resident and food security advocate; Bear Deardorff from Love Bears All; Jan Philpy from Sharing With Sheridan; Julie Hall and Tiffany Harper from HAAT Force; and Leah Schwarzrock from Littleton Public Schools for providing Public Comment. Their voices have been well‑received, and Council members have expressed gratitude for learning more about local food resources.

A special, heartfelt thank you goes to Tiffany Harper, who courageously shared her lived experience with food insecurity during the Englewood City Council meeting on July 20. Her testimony underscored how vital it is for community members to be heard. The thoughtful questions and comments that followed from the Mayor and City Council Members emphasized the importance of firsthand stories in shaping effective local food access solutions.

If emergency food provider staff, volunteers, or clients would be willing to share their experience in a short (three minutes or less) Public Comment, coaching and support are available from Leslie Levine. If you’re seeking inspiration, please feel free to watch Englewood’s July 20 meeting. Tiffany’s comments begin at the 1:25:00 time stamp, followed by Julie’s. Together, we can continue elevating community voices and strengthening food security across the Tri‑Cities.