Do you know Boulder has hungry people. Here is a way we try to feed them

The City of Boulder has announced funding awards for 40 programs promoting health equity for city residents who are low-income or otherwise experiencing health disparities. Funded programs will address health promotion, general wellness and chronic disease prevention for at-risk populations.

During its Dec. 4 meeting, the Boulder City Council approved disbursement of $4,648,702.72 in total funding for 2019, through the Health Equity Fund (HEF), a community funding program created with revenues collected from the Sugar Sweetened Beverage Product Distribution Tax (SSB Tax). Program activities will include distribution of healthy and fresh foods, physical fitness, nutrition and wellness education, direct health services, increasing access to child care, health care and other services related to health improvement.

The city coordinates annual competitive HEF fund rounds where agencies can apply for funding for programs that meet the tax legislative intent and other HEF criteria. The Health Equity Advisory Committee, which includes a diverse group of community members, review applications and make funding allocation recommendations to the city.

In November 2018, city voters approved ballot measure 2D, allowing the city to retain all SSB Tax revenue for the HEF. Any revenue that is not allocated through the fund round will carry over for allocation for future funding opportunities.

The list of 2019 HEF funding allocations is available on the HEF website. For more information, please contact Elizabeth Crowe, Health Equity Fund program manager at 303-441-1928 or crowee@bouldercolorado.gov.