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% (or reimbursement from the state if you don’t owe that much state income tax) 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 may include purchases that help you:

  • Grow, raise, produce, store, or process more food
  • Offer more healthy food
  • Make healthy food easier to access
  • Help lower the cost of healthy foods
FAQ

When to Apply

There will be three review periods each year.

Deadlines each year are:

  • April 30
  • August 31
  • 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 answer questions and assist you with the application.

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 state income tax

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

Scenario B – You owe $5,000 in state income tax

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

Scenario C – You owe $10,000 in state income tax

  • 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.