The bill requires the department of human services to implement
a work management system across all counties to interface with the Colorado benefits management system used to process and approve applications for essential state public assistance programs such as the supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP), medicaid, and
Colorado works.
The bill integrates eligibility and enrollment for SNAP with
eligibility criteria for the Colorado low-income energy assistance program to increase access.
The bill creates a community food access program (food program)
in the department of agriculture (department). The purpose of the food program is to improve access to and lower prices for healthy foods in low-income and underserved areas of the state by supporting small grocery retailers. The small food business recovery and resilience grant program (grant program) is established, to be overseen by the food program. An advisory committee is established to assist the department with the grant program. One-time grants not to exceed $25,000 will be provided to small grocery retailers to help support infrastructure and other necessary items to make fresh, healthy food more accessible to low-income and underserved communities. The department is granted authority to promulgate rules as necessary to implement the food program.
The food program is repealed, effective September 1, 2027.
