The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has formed a partnership with Advocates Against Domestic Assault, a nonprofit shelter in Southern Colorado, to promote the Colorado Food Program. This initiative provides nutritious meals to children and older adults in emergency shelters.
Advocates Against Domestic Assault has been involved with the Colorado Food Program for nearly two decades. The program aims to ensure families, particularly those with children, have steady access to balanced meals. The organization sees this as an important part of helping survivors rebuild their lives.
“The Colorado Food Program has been vital to the work we do,” said Charlene Tortorice, executive director of Advocates Against Domestic Assault. “Not only does the program help us better afford food for the families we serve, it allows us to empower parents – especially mothers – to prepare meals, learn about nutrition, and pass those skills on to their children. Through this partnership, we also introduce kids to fruits and vegetables they may never have tasted before. It’s one more way we help them discover what safety, health, and hope can look like.”
Through federal reimbursement provided by the Colorado Food Program, shelters such as Advocates Against Domestic Assault are able to offer high-quality meals that meet U.S. Department of Agriculture guidelines. These resources allow shelters to extend limited budgets while making sure children in crisis situations receive proper nourishment.
“Shelters are doing heroic work, and the Colorado Food Program is here to support them,” said Naomi Steenson, Colorado Food Program director. “We invite others operating emergency shelters in the state to consider applying.”
Emergency shelters serving children and families across Colorado may be eligible for participation in this program. More information is available at cdphe.colorado.gov/COFoodProgram.
Nationally recognized as the Child and Adult Care Food Program, this effort provides reimbursements for healthy meals served not only at emergency shelters but also at child care centers and homes; afterschool programs; Head Start; Early Head Start; outside-school-hours programs; and adult day care centers. Funding comes from the United States Department of Agriculture while administration is handled by the state health department.
Advocates Against Domestic Assault offers immediate and ongoing services for individuals and families experiencing domestic or sexual violence.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline remains accessible 24/7 at 800-799-7233 or online at https://thehotline.org.
