The Governor-appointed Colorado Food Systems Advisory Council’s charge is to advance recommendations that strengthen healthy food access for all Coloradans through Colorado agriculture and local food systems and economies.

Photo by Samantha Troudt

The Council accomplishes its charge by:

 

  • Identifying and using existing studies relevant to the food system;
  • Working with and develop relationships with other task forces, committees, and/or organizations pursuing similar objectives
  • Developing recommendations that promote the building of robust, resilient, and long-term local food economy;
  • Developing recommendations regarding hunger and food access; 
  • Collaborating with local and regional food policy councils in the State; 
  • Promoting “Colorado Proud”​.




ABOUT COFSAC

What is the Food Systems Advisory Council?

The Colorado Food Systems Advisory Council (COFSAC), established through the LiveWell Colorado-initiated Senate Bill 10-106, is a legislatively-mandated, volunteer-based, 15-member body of state agencies and diverse food systems stakeholders. The COFSAC held its first meeting in January 2011 and has met at least quarterly since (see 2014 meeting schedule under About COFSAC).

The COFSAC charge is to advance recommendations that strengthen healthy food access for all Coloradans through Colorado agriculture and local food systems and economies.

Passed in 2013, Senate Bill 13-­174: Concerning the Continuation of the Colorado Food Systems Advisory Council allowed for the continuation of the COFSAC until September 1st 2018 when the next sunset review will occur. The bill also allowed for additional member seats, adding two new members to the Council. Council membership now totals fifteen with representation from diverse geographies and sectors, the public and private sector, and academic institutions.

Who makes up the Council?

The Council is comprised of fifteen appointees representing a broad spectrum of government and non-government entities. The members represent most sectors of the food system and allow for a council very diverse in background and experience. See member profiles under “Membership“.

What is the intent of the Council?

The Council was originally established in 2010 through Senate Bill 10-106 as an advisory committee to make recommendations to the General Assembly and to the appropriate regulatory agencies, not to make policy. The charge of the council is to advance recommendations that strengthen healthy food access for all Coloradans through Colorado agriculture and local food systems and economies. The COFSAC is the state conduit for hearing, reviewing, and advancing critical food systems issue in which state government does or could play a role.

How does the Council work?

The Council accomplishes its charge through the following:

  • Identify and use existing studies relevant to the food system
  • Work with and develop relationships with other task forces, committees, and/or organizations pursuing similar objectives
  • Develop recommendations that promote the building of robust, resilient, and long-term local food economy
  • Develop recommendations regarding hunger and food access
  • Collaborate with local and regional food policy councils in the State
  • Promote “Colorado Proud”​.