Weekly Mayor-Council Meeting: Food Justice Summit Briefing, July 17, 2026

On July 17, 2026, the Denver Mayor and City Council held a joint weekly meeting, including introductions, community announcements, and a major briefing on food insecurity and the upcoming Food Justice Summit. The meeting began with councilmember announcements about community events, then proceeded to a detailed presentation from Denver's Department of Public Health and Environment (DDPHE) and multiple community partners on food insecurity data, the need for sustainable infrastructure investment, and the planned Food Justice Summit. Councilmembers responded with questions, support, and calls for a November 2026 ballot measure to renew and expand the Healthy Food for Denver's Kids (HFDK) sales tax.

Consent Calendar

• No consent calendar items were discussed.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were made during the formal meeting.

Discussion Items

• Announcements from Councilmembers:
  • Councilwoman Torres announced a Citizen Oversight Board forum at The Blossom House (July 22), a movie in the park at Martinez Park (July 17–18), and a celebration of life for Frances Torres at 9th Street Historic Park (July 22).
  • Councilwoman Romero Campbell announced a community putt-putt day at Kennedy Golf Course (July 19, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.).
  • Councilman Watson noted his late arrival due to street detours, thanked Dottie for street work, and highlighted a proclamation for Front Range Passenger Rail service, which could bring $22 million in infrastructure funds to Denver. He also promoted the Underground Music Showcase (July 24–26) in Five Points and River North.
  • Council President Sandoval announced a free bilingual yoga series at Elitches (July 24, 6–7 p.m.), the Mount Carmel Bazaar, and paid tribute to journalist Lynn Bartelson, who died at age 69.
• DDPHE Food Team Presentation and Food Justice Summit Briefing:
  • DDPHE staff introduced themselves; Paula Bab presented as Neighborhood Food Program Supervisor.
  • Sydney Skilkin (Southwest Food Coalition) described the coalition's three-year effort to advocate for a Food Justice Fund—a sustainable investment in Denver's food system, not just direct food access.
  • Giselle Zia's Campania (The Grow House) shared data from a November 2025 DDPHE survey of 3,000 Denver residents across 11 council districts: one in three adults reported cutting meal sizes or skipping meals due to cost; 68% cited cost as the top barrier. Food insecurity disproportionately affects Hispanic households, renters, families with children, and districts 2, 3, 9, and 11. Nearly half of those affected experience it monthly. Only 32% of food-insecure residents use SNAP, and among SNAP users, only 11% can meet their household's needs.
  • Margaret Brueger and Laura Engelman (Commune) described how food programs at Loreto Heights serve 1,200 families per week, and stated that food access is a “doorway” to belonging, support, and community participation. They emphasized that HFDK funding provides essential stability.
  • Catherine Arduin (Common Harvest Colorado) warned that food insecurity will rise; HFDK expires in 2028, creating a “funding cliff.” She argued that the city primarily funds food purchases but not the infrastructure (staffing, cold storage, transportation, language access) needed to move it, calling this “like asking RTD to run buses but only funding the fuel.”
  • Jamie Anderson (Denver Food Rescue) reviewed previous city investments: $3.3 million in ARPA food system resiliency grants (2021) and the creation of HFDK via Ballot Measure 302 (November 2018), a 0.08% sales tax increase (about one penny per $10 purchase) set to expire December 2028. HFDK has invested over $100 million, supported 118 organizations, served over 100,000 families annually, distributed over 55 million pounds of food, and created 900 youth jobs. However, it only covers youth (18 and under), leaving out seniors, unhoused residents, and LGBTQ+ adults.
  • Brie Say (Metro Caring) closed the presentation with three calls: reflect on food insecurity in each district, connect with local food access organizations, and exercise the power elected officials have to champion change.
• Councilmember Q&A and Comments:
  • Councilwoman Alvidres asked about translating survey data into infrastructure needs and how drought and fires affect food access. Catherine Arduin noted that a warm winter and late freeze destroyed most orchard fruit (apples, pears, peaches) on the Western Slope; one farm reduced from 700 to 150 acres due to water shortages.
  • Councilwoman Torres expressed strong support, reminding council that food justice has been a budget priority since 2023 and that the Food Summit keeps the conversation current.
  • Councilman Cashman asked about an active campaign to renew the HFDK sales tax and questioned whether the current 0.08% rate is sufficient, noting the city faces a budget crisis yet found funds for a soccer stadium and jobs program. A representative from Southwest Food Coalition confirmed an executive committee has formed to explore expanding funding and scope.
  • Councilwoman Sawyer confirmed that reauthorization would require a council referral to the ballot, and that Councilwoman Torres is willing to sponsor a November 2026 ballot measure. Councilwoman Torres stated the Food Summit may help identify additional needs beyond HFDK's current constraints.
  • Councilman Watson grew up with food and housing insecurity and advocated for including transportation logistics—specifically microtransit solutions—in the Food Summit's scope.
  • Council President Sandoval urged partners not to overlook neighborhoods like Quigg Newton in Northwest Denver and offered to connect resources such as LaPleno's foundation, which has helped pay off student lunch debts at North High School.

Key Outcomes

• No formal votes were taken, but councilmembers expressed strong support for a November 2026 ballot measure to reauthorize and potentially expand the Healthy Food for Denver's Kids sales tax. Councilwoman Torres offered to sponsor the referral.
• Councilmembers directed DDPHE and community partners to ensure the Food Justice Summit addresses infrastructure gaps (transportation, cold storage, staffing) and expands equitable access across all districts, including those not traditionally scored as high-need.
• The Food Justice Summit will continue with facilitated sessions with elected officials and a larger public-facing event later in the summer; details will be shared by DDPHE and community partners.