Many families are having a tough time putting food on the table, but the fact is that some Coloradans are more likely to experience food insecurity than others. A study from the Colorado Health Institute found that a quarter of young adults in rural areas (25.4%) and a fifth of Black Coloradans (22.2%) experienced food insecurity in 2019. People with lower incomes, Hispanic/Latinx Coloradans and women were also disproportionately affected.

We can do more to help our communities. Strengthening our school meal programs is an important step. Kids shouldn’t have to worry about the cost of lunch – and they shouldn’t have to skip a meal because their family can’t afford it. Proposition FF would provide all students in public schools with a free meal every day, regardless of their family’s income, so no kid goes hungry.

Right now, more than 60,000 kids in Colorado can’t afford lunch. Many of these kids go hungry at school, which harms their health and ability to learn and grow and thrive. We can take concrete action to help children and families facing food insecurity. Prop FF will also support the ability of school districts to purchase locally sourced food. This will help Colorado's food systems, the economy and student health.

All kids deserve to eat healthy foods regardless of their family's income. I hope voters will join me in supporting this important measure this November!

Karla Gonzales Garcia

Denver