At On The Menu, we work with many clients boasting the Colorado Proud logo. Most Colorado residents are familiar with the logo, seeing it in grocery stores, at farmer’s markets, and in restaurants, but what exactly does this mean? The Colorado Proud logo signifies a Colorado product that has been grown, raised or processed in Colorado. Fresh produce, herbs, grains and horticultural products must be grown in Colorado. Livestock must be raised in Colorado. Value-added consumer foods (jams, salsas, sauces, chips, dairy, sausage, jerky, etc.) must be manufactured in Colorado and companies are encouraged to use ingredients that are grown or raised in Colorado. Use of the Colorado Proud logo is determined by the Colorado Department of Agriculture Marketing Division.

Many local economies are struggling not because too little cash comes in, but because of what happens to that money. Buying Colorado Proud products is great for our local communities because more money is spent within the state and spending money locally enhances the “velocity,” or circulation speed of that money. The idea is that if currency circulates more quickly, the money passes through more hands—and more people have had the benefit of the money and what it has purchased for them. This can have positive impact on many local people and businesses.

Make your money count. On The Menu clients that are Colorado Proud participants include; Avon Bakery & Deli, Cappello’s Inc, Daffy Apple Corp, Ela Family Farms, Fiona’s Natural Foods, Happy Body Bakery, J.E.N. Bars LLC, Maggie’s Magnificent Cakes, Inc., Mama Montoya’s, Na Na Lynn’s, Olde Man Granola, and Tasty T’z.

If you are a farmer/rancher, restaurant serving Colorado foods or a food manufacturer in Colorado you may qualify for this free marketing program. To find out if you qualify, contact Wendy White at the Colorado Department of Agriculture, Marketing Division via email at Wendy.White@state.co.us or by phone at 303-869-9174. Join the list and become a member of Colorado Proud.