Fruit & Veg Boulder

About the Program

Category: Human Services (Best in Category)

Year: 2021

Fruit & Veg Boulder was designed to increase healthy food security among low-income City of Boulder residents who are ineligible for federal food assistance programs such as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) or WIC (Women Infants and Children) by providing them with coupons to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at multiple Boulder grocery and farmers market locations. Fruit & Veg Boulder is a collaboration between Boulder County Public Health, 8 grocery store locations, the Boulder Farmers Markets, and over 10 community organizations. Participants receive between $40 to $80 per month to spend on fresh produce and are enrolled in the program for a minimum of six months. This incentive model ensures dignity and choice as participants can purchase the produce that is most appropriate for them. Over 275 households and over 900 Boulder residents have been served. Participants report mental health benefits of being able to afford nourishing food for their children and no longer viewing fresh produce as a luxury. Fruit & Veg Boulder also served as a rapid response program during the early months of the pandemic, April-July 2020, giving 153 individuals/families $50 to $120/month for at least 2 months.