Community Food Access

This is program of the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA).

The Community Food Access Program strives to increase access to and lower prices for healthy food in low income, low access areas of the state by supporting small food retailers and small family farms. Non-profit Grocery Stores Now Eligible for CDA Tax Credit!

Your equipment purchases could be eligible for a refundable income tax credit equal to 75% of the amount you spent if they’re connected to increasing access to or lowering prices of healthy foods.

Who is eligible?

Small Family Farms

  • Colorado owned and operated
  • An annual gross revenue below $350,000.

Farmers Markets or Farm Stands

  • That already are, or demonstrate an intent to become, SNAP or WIC authorized. 

Small Food Retailers

  • Colorado owned and operated for-profit and non-profit grocery stores
  • Less than ten thousand square feet of retail space
  • Carries at least three of the federally defined staple foods:
    • Fruits or vegetables
    • Meat, poultry, or fish
    • Dairy products
    • Breads or cereals
  • Located in, or serves a low-income, low-access (LILA) region – all of the San Luis Valley is considered LILA.

Eligible Equipment
will increase access to, or lower prices of healthy foods.

FAQ

When to Apply

There will be three review periods each year.

In 2025 the periods will end in

  • April 30
  • September 30
  • December 31

Have Questions? Want Help?

The technical assistance team at the Local Foods Coalition is here to help.

Please reach out to us to see if your operation and / or equipment purchase is eligible. We’ll help you write and submit the application.

Jae Sanders – ‪(719) 515-9118‬ – jae@slvlocalfoods.org

Iava Williams – 719.298.0330 – iava@slvlocalfoods.org

Tax Credit Scenarios

  • You are an eligible business. 
  • You buy a $10,000 piece of eligible equipment.
  • There are enough funds remaining in the program.

Scenario A – You owe $0 in taxes

  • You will receive a check from the State for $7,500 (75% of the equipment cost).

Scenario B – You owe $5,000 in taxes

  • You will get a $7,500 (75% of the equipment cost) tax credit… meaning
    • You don’t have to pay in that $5,000
    • You will receive a check for $2,500

Scenario C – You owe $10,000 in taxes

  • You will get a $7,500 (75% of the equipment cost) tax credit… meaning
    • You will only have to pay $2,500 in taxes, but will not get a check from the state.