~ Message from the Director ~

The year is underway with extraordinary challenges facing many of you. There is little need to remind affected Coloradoans of the life-altering circumstances they face today.

Yet as uncertainties seem to be growing and ongoing challenges experienced, please rest assured the dedicated staff of FDP continues to work with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Food Nutrition Services (FNS) to deliver on our primary objective: to strengthen the nutrition safety net through effective and efficient commodity food distribution to eligible individuals and families, emergency feeding programs, and the elderly.

It is an honor for me to be the Director of the Food Distribution Program, and I am fortunate to lead the Program and be part of a dedicated group of partners contribute to relieving food insecurity and providing food assistance to Coloradoans throughout the state.

Again, thank you for visiting our Web site. I trust you will find it of value.

Yours sincerely,

Phil Loo

~ Breaking News ~

The Colorado Department of Human Services, Food Distribution Program is excited to introduce the Colorado Virtual Food Show, the first electronic visually interactive marketplace and integrated channel of service delivery for USDA Schools and Child Nutrition processed Commodity foods.

The VFS is a web-based portal to the processor community that allows schools 24/7 access a visual display of the 30-commodity processed food products approved and being offered by processors. In addition, processor VFS sites contain a food calculator, providing schools with service information and the ability to transfer serving requirements into equivalent pounds for ease in ordering. The calculator also provides schools with a purchase function that when initiated, allows for point-of-sale buys.

Using a virtual platform, it is the intent of Colorado FDP to increase service levels and efficiencies to our customers, while providing our processing partners the opportunity to contact schools in a way that could not be achieved through a traditional food show event.

Non Discrimination Policy

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, or disability. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD).

To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call toll free (866) 632-9992 or (800) 795-3272 (voice). TDD users can contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339 or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.