The Colorado Department of Human Services Food Distribution Programs has responsibility for the U.S. Department of AgricultureFoods programs, including Disaster Feeding and the Commodity Alert System.
Disaster feeding
Preparing for natural disasters and emergencies is one of the most important charges of the government. Colorado Food Distribution Programs must always be ready for a wide range of natural disasters, including floods, wildfires, mudslides, drought and earthquakes. It is our responsibility to ensure that food is readily available to areas where people have been affected in the event of a natural disaster.
When a disaster strikes, the U.S. Department of Agriculturecan authorize states to release food stocks to disaster relief agencies to feed people at shelters and mass feeding sites. In addition, in the event the president declares a disaster, states can also, with USDA approval, distribute USDA foods directly to households that are in need as a result of the declaration, typically for congregate feeding in emergency situations. USDA commodity foods on hand throughout the state are used during times of disaster emergency. The National School Lunch Program and The Emergency Food Assistance Program are two of the USDA programs for which the FDP may call upon to secure stock of USDA foods to assist in an emergency.
Commodity alerts
The USDA Commodity Alert System delivers notices of significant holds or recalls of commodity foods distributed through Food and Nutrition Service programs. This service is provided free of charge. Learn more.