JCPH Distributes Mini-grants to support food systems business reslience

In April 2026, Jefferson County Public Health awarded small grants to support farmer- and community-led projects that strengthen the long-term viability of the local food system. Funding focused on increasing capacity, economic sustainability, and equitable food access through investments in infrastructure, market expansion, and collaborative food system initiatives. Selected projects advance a more resilient, locally rooted food economy by supporting producers, expanding distribution, and improving access to fresh, culturally relevant foods.

The following projects were funded:

• Kaizen Food Share – Expand and sustain the Edgewater Food Forest as a climate-resilient, community-managed space for food production, farmer training, and equitable access to fresh, culturally relevant produce

• Rolling R Farm & Ranch – Develop a compliant indoor processing space to safely handle poultry, eggs, produce, and honey, strengthening local food infrastructure and creating a shared-use, educational resource

• Sprout City Farms – Increase food access through mobile and on-site farm stands, no-cost markets, pantry donations, and a new community fridge serving high-need communities

• UpRoot Colorado – Expand gleaning efforts to redistribute surplus farm produce, with plans to recover and distribute 20,000 pounds of food through events, partnerships, and improved transportation capacity