The City and County of Denver approved a grant agreement with Kaizen Food Rescue for $999,999.87, funded by the Healthy Food for Denver's Kids Initiative. This initiative aims to provide culturally relevant, fresh food distribution to Denver resident youth and their families in Council Districts 7, 8, and 11, with the contract term spanning from August 1, 2025, to July 31, 2028. Kaizen's program will transition to a choice-based food share model across seven established locations in underserved Denver neighborhoods, serving 2,129 unduplicated youth and their families. This model empowers youth and families to select food based on preferences and dietary needs, fostering autonomy and reducing food waste. Additionally, Kaizen will source fresh, locally grown produce in collaboration with Hearty Provisions and Common Harvest Colorado, supporting regional farmers and ensuring culturally relevant food. A key component of the program is the establishment of a subsidized equity-based grocery store in Southwest Denver, a food desert area, offering affordable, healthy, and culturally relevant foods with discounts for low-income families. The program also includes youth leadership and volunteer engagement in food justice initiatives, strengthening their skills and workforce readiness.