Denver City Council on Sept. 15 adopted Proclamation 25‑13‑59 recognizing September 2025 as Hunger Action Month and heard from community food providers, city agencies and anti‑hunger coalitions about rising demand and funding gaps.

Proclamation and presenters: Councilmembers Watson and Torres jointly presented the proclamation to representatives from Denver Human Services, the Southwest Food Coalition and other local food‑access partners. Ken (Southwest Food Coalition) and Jamie (Denver Human Services) and other agency representatives accepted the item and asked council to preserve and expand local funding streams that support pantries, school‑based nutrition and culturally appropriate food programs.

Why it matters: Speakers highlighted federal and state funding changes that have increased demand on local providers. "At the end of the day, we can't do anything without good food," Ken from the Southwest Food Coalition told council, urging support for continued city funding and philanthropic and volunteer support. City staff noted current partnerships that span Denver Department of Public Health & Environment, Denver Human Services and community groups.

Council comments and asks: Councilmembers recounted local examples of households and workers struggling with food access, and several urged council to prioritize food funding in the 2026 budget. Councilmember Torres noted projected federal reductions to food‑assistance funding and emphasized the need to coordinate school, county and city resources to prevent gaps.

Outcome: The proclamation passed on a unanimous voice/roll call vote and copies will be forwarded to the Southwest Food Coalition, Denver Human Services and related community partners.

Ending: Agencies and community groups said the proclamation signals council attention as budget work continues and asked residents to volunteer, donate and support local ballot measures to expand healthy school meals and other food‑access programs.