(SOUTHERN COLORADO) — Several food pantries across Colorado have received $2.6 million in funding through the state's food grants program. The Governor's Office, Colorado Department of Human Services, and Colorado Blueprint to End Hunger came together to announce the distribution of a combined $1 million in funding to 88 emergency food assistant providers across the state and $1,611,500 allocated to five Feeding Colorado food banks and their relief partners. Various food pantries in Colorado Springs and Pueblo received a grant, including: Care and Share Food Bank of Southern Colorado Catholic Charities of Central Colorado Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Pueblo Food to Power Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center Pueblo Food Project Rocky Mountain SER/Jobs for Progress (RMSER) “Thanks to partnerships, like the one we have with the Colorado Blueprint to End Hunger, children and families are able to get nutritious food when they need it the most and right in their own communities," said Kathy Underhill, food distribution programs manager at the Colorado Department of Human Services. “This critical State funding makes sure Coloradans have the resources they need to thrive.”  The Community Food Grants program provides funding to qualifying food pantries and food banks. These funds are meant for pantries to acquire and distribute food directly to individuals and families as aligned with community needs and priorities. The provided grants are for pantries to purchase meat, dairy, and fresh produce from local farmers, ranchers, and producers.